The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has arrested two individuals in connection with suspected environmental violations at Oil Buster Industries Ltd, a used oil refining facility in Bumbajja Village, Nakisunga Sub-county, Mukono District.
The arrests followed an urgent inspection conducted on Wednesday, triggered by media reports and public outcry over possible pollution in the area.
In a statement, NEMA said its team uncovered serious breaches of environmental standards, including improper disposal of oil waste, oil spills within the facility, and the lack of a functioning effluent treatment system. 
The authority also found what appeared to be oil waste dumped and burnt on private land about a kilometre from the facility—posing a threat to both the environment and the surrounding communities.
“There is evidence suggesting oil waste has been dumped and burnt on private land, potentially affecting surrounding communities and ecosystems,” NEMA revealed.
While the names of the arrested individuals were not disclosed, NEMA clarified that they are currently assisting with ongoing investigations to establish the full extent of the pollution and determine accountability.
“We assure the public that further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the environmental impact and to inform the next course of action,” said Naomi N. Karekaho, Head of the Corporate Communications Unit at NEMA.
She added that enforcement action would be taken where necessary, warning that the agency will not hesitate to hold violators accountable under Uganda’s environmental laws.
The National Environment Act, Cap. 181, empowers NEMA to impose fines ranging from UGX 3 million to UGX 6 billion, as well as criminal penalties, depending on the severity of the violation.
“NEMA remains committed to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring facilities operate within approved standards to safeguard public health and the environment,” Karekaho emphasized.
Oil Buster Industries Ltd has not yet publicly commented on the allegations.
The Mukono case is the latest in a series of pollution incidents being investigated by the authority as it steps up efforts to crack down on environmental lawbreakers and promote sustainable industrial practices.
NEMA urged members of the public to report suspected environmental abuse through its official communication channels.
