The Makindye Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court has sentenced a man to seven years in prison for forging National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) environmental approval certificates.
Martin Owomugisha was convicted by Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu after being found guilty of forging NEMA Certificates of Approval, uttering false documents and obtaining money by false pretences.
The conviction followed an intelligence led operation conducted on March 23, 2026, by NEMA's Environment Protection Force and the Environment Protection Police Unit in Mbarara, South Western Uganda.
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Owomugisha was arrested over forged environmental approval certificates linked to proposed fuel station projects in Bikurungu, Rukungiri District, and Mahyoro, Kitagwenda District.
According to the charge sheet, Owomugisha forged two certificates purportedly issued by NEMA to Kisu Energy Petroleum SMC Ltd.
Prosecutors told court that after forging the certificates, Owomugisha uttered the documents and obtained Shs8 million from Ismail Mugisha.
He allegedly obtained the money by falsely claiming that he would secure NEMA environmental approval certificates for the company.
Following the conviction, court sentenced Owomugisha to seven years in prison for forging the two certificates and another seven years for uttering the false documents.
He was also sentenced to three years in prison for obtaining money by false pretences.
The sentences will, however, run concurrently, meaning Owomugisha will serve a maximum of seven years in prison.
NEMA said the conviction sends a strong message that forging or fraudulently using environmental approval documents is a serious criminal offence.
"Environmental approvals are important safeguards for ensuring that proposed projects undergo appropriate environmental and social assessment before implementation," NEMA said.
The Authority cautioned developers, investors and members of the public against dealing with individuals who claim they can privately procure, sell or issue NEMA environmental and social approvals.
"NEMA cautions developers, investors and the public against individuals claiming they can privately procure, sell or issue NEMA environmental and social approvals," the Authority said.
NEMA said it will continue working with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the Judiciary to protect the integrity of Uganda's environmental regulatory system.
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The Authority further warned that individuals involved in forging or uttering fake NEMA approval documents could face criminal prosecution under Uganda's laws.
Under the Penal Code Act, forging or uttering false NEMA approval documents is unlawful, with uttering false documents prosecuted under Sections 326 and 328, while obtaining money by false pretences is also punishable under the law.
