environment 11 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NEMA Launches Second Wetland Encroacher Crackdown, Aims to Tackle 'Untouchables'
Uganda's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is set to restart operations this month against individuals and entities who defied previous orders to vacate wetlands. The move targets those who refused to leave even after being served with restoration notices in 2024. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/will-nema-s-crackdown-on-wetland-encroachers-bite-the-untouchables--5454914
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in conjunction with the Ministry of Water and Environment, is initiating a new phase of enforcement against wetland encroachers across Uganda. This renewed effort will focus on individuals and entities that ignored previous directives to vacate wetlands, with restoration operations commencing this month.
Minister of Water and Environment, Sam Cheptoris, stated that “no encroachers will be spared,” acknowledging that past crackdowns were hampered by corruption and political interference. He highlighted Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale as areas with the most severe wetland degradation due to settlement, agriculture, and industrial activities.
This upcoming operation follows a significant restoration drive in 2024 that led to the demolition of numerous homes and commercial buildings, particularly in areas around Lubigi swamp. However, some marked structures, including schools and apartment buildings, were spared due to expired restoration orders or alleged political influence. Questions linger about whether this new directive will be applied equally, with critics like the outgoing Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, expressing skepticism about NEMA’s commitment to enforcing the rules on powerful figures.
Local leaders, such as Nansana Municipality Mayor-elect John Bosco Sserunkuuma, are calling for an end to perceived double standards, pointing to instances where businesses operating within wetlands were allegedly overlooked while smaller encroachers faced harsh penalties. NEMA spokesperson Naomi Namara assured that the authority now has the necessary resources, including funds and equipment, to complete the concluded operations and that those still occupying the targeted areas should vacate promptly.
Despite facing resistance and legal challenges, including a case filed by victims against NEMA, the authority is prepared to proceed, emphasizing that restoration notices are now sufficient without further alerts. The ongoing wetland degradation poses significant environmental risks, contributing to floods and pollution, and has led to a decline in Uganda’s wetland coverage from 15.5% in 1994 to approximately 13% today.