Politics 15 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Nabbanja and Cheptoris Engage in Heated Exchange Over Wetland Encroachment at National Conference
A public clash erupted between Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Water and Environment Minister Sam Cheptoris at the 2026 National Performance Review Conference, where Cheptoris accused influential figures, including ministers, of destroying wetlands, prompting a sharp rebuttal from Nabbanja. Cheptoris vowed to demolish illegal structures regardless of who owns them, citing corruption and interference as major obstacles. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nabbanja-cheptoris-clash-over-wetlands-5425236
Drama unfolded at the 2026 National Performance Review Conference on Uganda’s Development Agenda, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The three-day event, attended by ministers, officials, district leaders, and development partners, reviews progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and local government performance.
During his speech, Minister Sam Cheptoris raised alarms about widespread wetland destruction by wealthy and powerful individuals, including senior government ministers. He specifically referenced a school in Seeta, questioning its ownership and location.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja quickly countered, holding Cheptoris accountable for failing to enforce environmental laws. She cited the President’s directive to transfer Budongo Forest from his ministry to Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities due to mismanagement. Nabbanja suggested resolving the dispute in Cabinet before the President.
Cheptoris defended himself, noting health-related absences and resistance from officials in handing over properties. Unfazed, as he is not seeking re-election to Parliament, he pledged to raze all wetland structures starting next week, no matter the influencer’s status. ‘Whether you’re as big as the elephant, we are going to destroy your building,’ he stated.
In a follow-up interview, Cheptoris blamed corruption and political ‘mafias’ for undermining efforts, particularly in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale. He affirmed commitment to action with presidential backing to prevent national ‘suicide’ through environmental degradation.
The conference also touched on Uganda’s wetland restoration pushes for biodiversity and flood control. State Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba highlighted SDG gains in data and coordination, while British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney urged faster implementation and reduced reliance on external funding.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)