The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has defended its ongoing demolition operations in the Lubigi wetland, a move that has left thousands of residents homeless. The environmental watchdog faces significant criticism for these actions.
In a statement, NEMA emphasized the necessity of the restoration exercise to protect the Lubigi wetland system, a crucial water catchment area for Kampala and its surrounding districts. “We cannot allow illegal activities to degrade the environment and jeopardize the lives of citizens,” the Authority stated.
NEMA had previously issued restoration orders to encroachers in 2021, giving them a 21-day notice to vacate the wetland, clear dumped materials, restore the area to its original state, and demolish any illegal structures.
The objective of the demolition is to remove illegal structures, gardens, and settlements that threaten the wetland and the city’s water catchment.
On Monday, tensions escalated at the Lubigi wetland site when the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, was forcibly prevented by police from inspecting the aftermath of the recent evictions conducted by NEMA. These evictions have targeted residents allegedly occupying the wetlands illegally, resulting in public outcry and accusations of unfair treatment.
Addressing the displaced residents, Ssenyonyi condemned what he described as NEMA’s discriminatory actions, pointing out the disparity in treatment between local families and businesses operating in other protected wetlands. “There are known wetlands in Uganda filled with factories, yet they remain untouched,” he noted, implying possible government connections protecting certain commercial interests.
When Ssenyonyi attempted to tour the demolition site to assess the damage and engage with affected families, police intervention led to a standoff that escalated into a five-minute confrontation before tear gas was used to disperse the gathering. Ssenyonyi was subsequently escorted to safety by parliamentary security amidst chaotic scenes.
This incident underscores broader tensions surrounding land use policies and human rights in Uganda, with Ssenyonyi linking the evictions to wider allegations of rights abuses and political targeting. He referenced the recent abduction of lawmaker Paul Akamba shortly after being granted bail, suggesting a pattern of repression against opposition figures.
Meanwhile, families affected by the evictions in Ganda-Nasere Village, Wakiso District, have appealed to the Buganda Kingdom for compensation, alleging that kingdom officials misled them into settling in Lubigi, a protected wetland, and collected annual ground rent (busuulu) from them. Simon Nyanzi, a leader among the evictees, vowed to pursue justice until compensation is secured from the Buganda Land Board, the kingdom’s property management arm.
NEMA continues its crackdown on wetland encroachment across the Kampala Metropolitan area, urging encroachers to vacate as per Section 36 of the National Environment Act, which restricts such land use. The agency warned that failing to protect wetlands like Lubigi could result in severe water shortages affecting several districts in the Central Cattle Corridor.
