Operations in Hoima City were disrupted on Wednesday morning after a group of lorry drivers staged a protest outside the office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC), accusing the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of unfair taxation and harassment.
The drivers, who transport soil, sand, and timber, parked their trucks at the RCC’s office to demand the suspension of what they described as arbitrary impounding of their vehicles by NEMA enforcement teams.
They claimed the operations were being conducted without prior sensitization or explanation.
“We are tired of this. They keep impounding our vehicles time and again. They have never sensitized us on what they want, but just make arrests. We also work for our bosses,” said Johnson Kirungi, the chairman of the drivers’ association.
The group argued that NEMA should direct its enforcement actions toward the owners of the sand and brick businesses, rather than penalizing drivers who are merely employees.
In response, Hoima City RCC Badru Mugabi met the protesting drivers and assured them that steps were being taken to address their concerns.
He confirmed that NEMA’s operations to impound vehicles had been temporarily suspended pending a meeting between his office and the agency’s regional representatives.
Mugabi urged both the drivers and business operators involved in sand mining and brick making to comply with environmental regulations, noting that cooperation with NEMA was essential for sustainable resource management.
He emphasized that while environmental protection remains a national priority, enforcement should be conducted fairly and with adequate community engagement to avoid unnecessary tension.