The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda ( IRCU) has advised NationalEnvironment management Authority (NEMA) to halt the implementation of the National Environment Act 2019.
This Act that will become operational starting 1st April this year criminalize noise pollution, depositing rubbish by the roadside ,littering from cars or driving a car without dustbin among others.
Anybody who contravenes this Act is liable to a fine of Uganda Shillings six(6) billion.
NEMA says this is intended to deter non-compliance to environment laws and to prevent environmental degradation.
While meeting stakeholders that included religious leaders, bar owners ,and tax operators on the environmental breaches and express penalties, Herbert Buyondo a member of Health committee in the IRCU noted that there is no way NEMA together with KCCA can implement this Act without sensitizing Ugandans .
The vice chairperson of the UGANDA Taxi operators federation Mustafah Mayambala vowed not to adhere to the act as taxi operators since it contains harsh penalties and they were not consulted for their contribution before the Act was put together.
In response the Deputy Executive Director Eng.David Luyimbaazi noted that they will continue to look into this Act to ensure that it penalizes those who violate wetlands ,River banks and Lake shores.
