In addition to the sh180m fine, the court ordered NYTIL to restore the affected land and the polluted section of the River Nile within 30 days.
The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court has fined Southern Range Nyanza Limited (NYTIL) sh180m after the company pleaded guilty to illegally discharging industrial effluent into neighbouring land and a section of the River Nile.
In a ruling delivered by Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu, the court found the company guilty of violating Uganda’s environmental laws by releasing untreated industrial waste from its facility in Buikwe District between April 2024 and November 2025.
According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), investigations by its inspectors established that the company discharged pollutants onto surrounding land and into the River Nile without meeting the prescribed environmental standards. The evidence gathered by NEMA formed the basis of the prosecution in Criminal Case No. SUW 118/2026.
The River Nile, one of Uganda’s most important natural resources, supports water supply, fisheries, agriculture, hydropower generation, biodiversity conservation and millions of livelihoods. Environmental authorities warned that pollution of the river poses a significant threat to both ecosystems and communities that depend on it.
In addition to the sh180m fine, the court ordered NYTIL to restore the affected land and the polluted section of the River Nile within 30 days. NEMA has been directed to monitor the restoration process and submit a compliance report to the court.
Welcoming the judgment, NEMA said the ruling reinforces the importance of compliance with environmental regulations and sends a strong message that polluters must be held accountable for environmental damage.
The authority noted that Section 163 of the National Environment Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants contrary to prescribed standards and empowers courts to penalise offenders and order restoration of degraded environments at the polluter’s expense.
Environmental advocates have hailed the decision as a significant step in protecting Uganda’s water resources and strengthening enforcement of environmental laws. The case is expected to serve as a warning to industries that fail to adhere to environmental standards.
Three-Week Search Ends in Tragedy as Missing Taxi Driver Is Found Dead