The Standards, Wildlife and Utilities Court sitting in Makindye has fined PRO Industries Pte Limited UGX 75 million after convicting the company for discharging untreated industrial waste into the Ngaju Wetland in Luweero District.

The conviction followed a case filed by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda’s environmental watchdog responsible for enforcing national environmental protection laws.

Court also ordered the company to restore the degraded wetland within 30 days under NEMA supervision.

Company Pleads Guilty to Pollution Charges

During the court proceedings, Adrian Caesar Mugabe pleaded guilty on behalf of the company, acknowledging that the facility had discharged untreated wastewater and sludge into the wetland.

He informed court that the company has since installed a new wastewater treatment system and taken corrective measures to prevent further environmental contamination.

The case was presided over by Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu.

Court Finds Company Violated Environmental Permit Conditions

Court heard that PRO Industries failed to comply with conditions contained in its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) certificate issued by National Environment Management Authority.

Investigations revealed that between November 2025 and January 2026 the company breached conditions of its environmental approval by discharging untreated effluent into Ngaju Wetland located in Ndibulungi Village, Kakabala Parish, Butuntumula Sub-county along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.

According to NEMA, the contaminated wastewater spread into the wetland and nearby private land, affecting vegetation and neighbouring gardens.

Water samples collected from the area also showed carbon dioxide levels exceeding permissible effluent discharge standards.

Court Orders Restoration of Damaged Wetland

As part of the ruling, court directed the company to fully restore the degraded wetland ecosystem within 30 days under supervision of National Environment Management Authority.

The company was charged with failure to comply with conditions stipulated in its environmental approval certificate, contrary to provisions of the National Environment Act.

Environmental authorities say the ruling sends a strong warning to industries that violate environmental regulations.

Wetlands Vital for Uganda’s Ecosystem

Wetlands play an important role in Uganda’s ecosystem by filtering water, controlling floods and supporting biodiversity.

Authorities have recently intensified enforcement actions against companies accused of polluting wetlands and other fragile ecosystems.

The National Environment Management Authority says it will continue monitoring industrial facilities and prosecuting offenders who undermine environmental safety.