Crime
Businessman, Lawrence Okello from Lira, has been remanded to Luzira Prison until December 16, 2024, after being charged with constructing a fuel station in a wetland in violation of environmental and planning laws.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), arraigned Okello before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
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According to the prosecution, Okello stubbornly continued construction of the fuel station in Pece Swamp, Gulu City, between March and December 2024, despite failing to adhere to conditions set in a Certificate of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment issued by NEMA.
He is accused of flouting physical planning and building control laws while ignoring repeated warnings.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Okello is a habitual encroacher on gazetted areas, including wetlands, forest reserves, and other public lands.
Authorities are expanding inquiries into his involvement in other illegal activities targeting protected areas.
