Lira Businessman Remanded to Prison for Constructing in a Wetland.
Court was told that Okello Lawrence is a habitual encroacher on gazetted areas
KAMPALA – UGANDA: The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has sent on remand Lira businessman, Okello Lawrence for constructing a fuel station in a wetland, with a forged Certificate of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment by NEMA.
Okello was arrested on orders of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) together with Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Anti-Corruption Unit of the State House.
According to the Charge sheet, between March and December 2024, the accused carried out construction of a fuel station in Pece swamp located in Gulu city, violating the physical planning laws, building control laws and NEMA certification.
Court also heard that the investigations have established that Okello Lawrence is a habitual encroacher on gazetted areas including wetlands, forest reserves and other public land.
He has been remanded to prison until Dec. 16, 2024 pending further investigations into his alleged involvement in numerous acts of encroachment on protected areas.
