The State House Anti-corruption Unit working with National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) the Office of the Director Public Prosecution and the Criminal Intelligence Directorate of Police have arraigned Lira businessman, Okello Lawrence, before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court for constructing a fuel station in a wetland.
According to the Anti-graft body, Okello opted to operate the fuel station in total disregard of the the conditions set in the Certificate of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment by NEMA.
Prosecution alleges that between March and December 2024, the accused stubbornly continued to carry out construction of a fuel station in Pece swamp, Gulu city, in total violation of the physical planning laws, building control laws and NEMA certification.
He has been remanded till 16/12/2024
Investigations have revealed that Okello Lawrence is a reknown encroacher on gazzeted areas including wetlands, forest reserves and other public land.
According to a joint statement issued by the four agencies in the case, further investigations into his alleged involvement in numerous acts of encroachment on protected areas are still ongoing.