Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-19 18:13:54
The senior pastor at Spiritual Arcade Church in Bweyogerere has found himself in legal trouble after being remanded to Luzira Prison for constructing a building in a wetland. This pastor, 57-year-old Milton Twehangane, who resides in Bukasa Veteran Zone in Kirinya Parish, Bweyogerere Division in Wakiso District, appeared before Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court presided over by Gladys Kamasanyu to face multiple charges related to the construction in the wetland.
Among the charges Pastor Twehangane is facing are failure to undertake an environmental and social impact assessment, constructing in a wetland, depositing soil in the wetland, destroying and damaging the wetland, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Despite these serious accusations, the pastor denied all charges brought against him.
The prosecution, led by Judith Nyamwiza, alleges that on October 19, 2023, Pastor Twehangane was found in Bukasa Veteran Zone in Bweyogerere Division, Wakiso District, constructing in a wetland without the required environmental and social impact assessment and without lawful approval. Additionally, on the same date, the pastor was also found depositing soil in the wetland without lawful approval, further complicating his legal situation.
As a result of these charges, Pastor Twehangane has been remanded to Luzira Prison until April 8, 2024, when he is scheduled to reappear in court for the hearing of his case. The State Attorney informed the court that the investigations have been completed, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is prepared to prosecute the pastor for his alleged environmental violations.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and obtaining the necessary approvals before undertaking any construction activities. Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and regulating water flow, and their destruction or disturbance can have far-reaching environmental consequences.
It is essential for individuals and organizations to conduct thorough environmental assessments and comply with relevant laws and regulations to preserve these valuable natural resources for future generations. The case of Pastor Twehangane serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering construction activities in sensitive environmental areas and highlights the legal repercussions that can result from non-compliance with environmental laws.
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