TWO ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISTS ARRESTED IN HOIMA

By Our reporter

www.mknewslink.com

In Hoima

Two environmental journalists have been arrested in relation to the peaceful demonstration against the sale of Bugoma Forest in favour of a sugarcane plantation expansion.

The arrested are; Joshua Mutale and Venix Watebawa who subscribe to the Water and Environment Media Network (WEMNET), a Kampala based media organisation.

ASP Julius Hakiza Allan said that the duo was arrested after intelligence information identified them to be the ring leaders in a plot to hold an unlawful assembly.

The duo was arrested as soon as they set foot in Hoima City ahead of a peaceful demonstration that was planned to start today Wednesday at 8am in Hoima City before proceeding to the disputed 22 square miles forested land in Kikuube district.

The environmentalists under the coalition on Save Bugoma Campaign placed radio announcements inviting the general public for a peaceful demonstration to protest against the destruction of Bugoma forest for a sugarcane plantation by Hoima Sugar Ltd.

This comes at a time when NEMA has issued a certificate of approval for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report authorizing Hoima Sugar limited to destroy over 21 square miles of Bogoma forest to plant sugarcane and other activities.

 According to the ESIA Certificate issued by NEMA dated August 14, 2020, NEMA has permitted Hoima Sugar LTD to use 21 square miles out of the 22 Sq miles Hoima Sugar leased from Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom at 3 billion shillings against the will of NFA which is the chief custodians of all-Natural forests and against calls by Ugandans.

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