Environmental Violations Cost Company Shs75m Fine

By Peter Luzinda | March 5, 2026

PRO Industries Pte Limited has been fined UGX 75 million after the Makindye Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court convicted the company of illegally discharging untreated industrial waste into Ngaju Wetland in Luweero District.

The ruling was delivered by Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu after the company’s manager, Adrian Caesar Mugabe, pleaded guilty to the charges.

Mugabe acknowledged that the company discharged untreated wastewater and sludge into the wetland located in Ndibulungi Village, Kakabala Parish, Butuntumula Sub-county along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.

He told the court that the company had since installed a new wastewater treatment facility and taken corrective action to prevent future pollution.

Apart from the fine, the court also ordered the company to restore the degraded wetland within 30 days under the supervision of the National Environment Management Authority.

According to prosecution, the company violated conditions contained in its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment certificate.

The offence contravenes provisions of the National Environment Act, Cap. 181.

Investigations revealed that between November 2025 and January 2026 the company discharged untreated effluent into the wetland despite holding Certificate No. NEMA/EIA/16265.

Authorities said the contamination affected vegetation and neighbouring gardens after spreading beyond the wetland into nearby private property.

Environmental tests also indicated that water samples from the area contained carbon dioxide levels above permissible discharge limits.

NEMA Head of Corporate Communications Naomi Karekaho said the ruling highlights the government’s determination to protect wetlands and enforce environmental laws.

She said holding companies accountable for environmental damage is necessary to safeguard ecosystems, communities and natural resources.