Security officials on Thursday, 3rd July, arrested eight suspects over alleged bribery and illegal brick-making activities inside Lutobooka Forest Reserve in Kalangala District.

The operation was led by Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) Samuel Kironde Kajubi, who revealed that the arrests were based on intelligence reports indicating that staff from the National Forestry Authority (NFA) had been accepting bribes from local brick makers.

These payments allowed the brick makers to continue operating illegally within the protected forest without proper permits.

“These officers have been receiving money every three months without issuing any receipts,” Kajubi told our reporters. “That is exactly how the forest has been degraded over time right under the watch of those meant to protect it.”

The suspects include three NFA staff: Obonyo Alex, the NFA sector manager; Nicholas Nikola; and Patience, a UPDF lieutenant (name withheld); and four brick makers by the names of Kajuna Paul, Kayondo Abdul, Lubemu Paul, and Kirabyo Nelson, all of whom are now in police custody.

According to Kajubi, the operation began after he documented UGX 2.5 million in marked currency and recorded the serial numbers. He said the suspects delivered the money to the NFA offices in Kalangala on two motorcycles at around 8:00 AM.

Undercover police arrested the suspects as they attempted to exchange the money. Officers recovered the marked cash during the arrest.

Kajubi confirmed that the eight suspects are detained at Kalangala Central Police Station.

The Lutobooka Forest Reserve lies near the ship landing site in Kalangala Town Council. Environmental advocates have previously warned that illegal brick-making is contributing to the forest’s destruction.

Police and district officials have not yet released formal charges but said investigations are ongoing.