The Police in Soroti City, in collaboration with the National Forest Authority (NFA), have arrested 25 individuals for engaging in illegal bricklaying activities on NFA land.
The Police in Soroti City and the National Forest Authority (NFA), have arrested 25 people for moulding bricks in Soroti Central Forest Reserve.
Joseph Otim, the NFA sector manager for Teso, explained that the arrests were prompted by ongoing encroachment and the continuous destruction of natural resources in the area.
He said that Moulding bricks in protected areas not only destroys soil structure but also leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
"We have consistently engaged with encroachers, urging them to cease their activities on this land as it poses a threat to the environment," he remarked.
He further warned that the NFA will continue to monitor and take action against those involved in illegal activities on NFA land. "We've experienced boundary losses due to encroachers who destroy key markers to facilitate their illegal operations. None of these individuals possess a license, yet they persistently harm our resources," Otim added.
//Cue in: ..." All the activities.....
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Damalie Nachuha, the Regional Police Commander for East Kyoga, confirmed the arrests, indicating that the group consisted of one female and 24 males found conducting bricklaying on the NFA land in Soroti City.
The forest reserve is a vital green space in Soroti City, providing forest cover. However, encroachments for activities like brick moulding are threatening its preservation.
Moris OKwi
Freelancer