EDITOR
Mbarara City has issued an environmental compliance notice under Sections 129 and 135 of the National Environment Act, suspending all activities related to the mining, making, and trading of bricks in Kyarwanshashura, Karugangama Cell, Katete Ward, Nyamitanga South Division, Mbarara City, with immediate effect.
The directive was issued by the Environment Officer in charge of Mbarara City, Edgar Nabaasa, during a sensitization program in Kyarwanshashura. The event was attended by the Second-in-Command of the Environmental Police Protection for the South Western region, IP Twesiime Felix, along with the Chairperson of LC1 Karugangama Cell, Jafar Mpiima, and other local leaders.
Nabaasa informed those involved in brick mining, making, and trading that they are permitted to sell only bricks made within the next sixty days. After this period, any landowner found engaging in or permitting illegal brick-making in the Kyarwanshashura wetland will be arrested and charged accordingly.
He emphasized that within these sixty days, all accused landowners must ensure the restoration of degraded sites to their natural state without fail.
Nabaasa explained that environmental degradation caused by commercial brick-making in the Kyarwanshashura wetland—formed between surrounding hills—is a serious concern. Conducting such activities in a sensitive ecosystem without approval under the National Environment Act of 2019 is not permitted.
He further clarified that the area has been heavily degraded, with large ditches left open, posing health and safety risks. The abandoned ditches have become breeding grounds for disease-causing vectors, and accidents involving school children and livestock have already been reported.
The Chairperson of Karugangama Cell, Jafar Mpiima, welcomed the guidance from the Mbarara City Environment Office and urged residents to comply with the directive.
IP Twesiime Felix confirmed that the ditches are dangerously deep and sharp, and accidents have already occurred, affecting school children and livestock. He also noted that the situation poses a risk to travelers commuting between Mbarara City and Masha in Isingiro District.
The Chairperson of the Kyarwanshashura Brick-Making Group, Magidu Kiryowa Kibirango, estimated that over forty men and women depend on brick-making and marketing for their livelihoods.
