The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court, has convicted and fined Southern Range Nyanza Limited (NYTIL) Shs 180 million after the company pleaded guilty to illegally discharging industrial effluent onto neighbouring land and into a section of the River Nile.
The River Nile is a vital national resource that supports water supply, fisheries, agriculture, hydropower generation, biodiversity, and millions of livelihoods. Protecting its ecological integrity remains essential for sustainable development and public well-being.
In Criminal Case No. SUW 118/2026, NYTIL was charged with unlawfully discharging pollutants into the environment in violation of Uganda’s environmental laws and standards.
Acting on its mandate to enforce environmental compliance, inspectors from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) conducted investigations, gathered evidence of illegal discharge into neighbouring land and the River Nile, and instituted prosecution before court.
The court heard that between April 2024 and November 2025, the company discharged industrial effluent from its facility in Buikwe District onto neighbouring land and into a section of the River Nile without meeting the prescribed environmental standards.
Upon conviction on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, chief magistrate, Gladys Kamasanyu imposed a fine of Shs 180 million and ordered the company to restore the affected land and the polluted section of the River Nile within 30 days.
The court further directed NEMA to monitor the restoration process and submit a compliance report.
NEMA welcomed the ruling, noting that it underscores the importance of environmental compliance and reinforces the principle that polluters must take responsibility for restoring degraded ecosystems.