7 Chinese nationals fined Shs 217 million for disturbing Lwera wetland 

The Utilities, Wildlife, and Standards court has imposed a fine of Shs 217 million on seven Chinese nationals who pleaded guilty to disturbing Lwera wetland.

Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu sentenced each convict; Liang Cheng Wu, Ui Wen Hu, Lian Cheng Xiang, Hu Dong Xu, Ge Xing Liang, Zie Gong Zuo, and Wang Peichuan to pay Shs 31 million or face a four-year jail term.

They were arrested on July 8 by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and environmental police in Kamuwunga village, Lukaya town council, Kalungu district, for drilling in the wetland in a way that could cause ecological damage.

The prosecution led by Judith Nyamwiza sought a deterrent sentence due to the significant environmental impact, while the defense led by Grace Byaruhanga requested leniency, highlighting the convicts’ cooperation with the court.