environment 3 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NEMA Faces Backlash Over Alleged Surprise Wetland Evictions in Wakiso
Residents in Wakiso's Buggu Village accuse the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of reneging on a promise to demarcate wetland areas before demolition, leading to surprise evictions and significant losses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/residents-accuse-nema-of-surprise-eviction-in-wakiso-wetland-crackdown-5483190
Residents of Buggu Village, Wakiso District, have expressed strong feelings of betrayal following a recent eviction drive conducted by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The operation, which involved police and military personnel, targeted structures within the Namugongo wetland, causing panic and disruption as inhabitants scrambled to save their belongings.
A significant point of contention among the affected families is the timeline of the operation. Residents claim they attended a meeting on May 29 with NEMA and local authorities, where an agreement was reportedly made for NEMA to return on June 19 to officially demarcate the areas slated for restoration. However, enforcement teams arrived with excavators on June 2, well before the supposed demarcation date.
“We feel betrayed,” stated Muhamood Ssebagala, the Busabala Muslim Imam. “Many people were not prepared and have suffered huge losses.” Some families have lived in the area for over two decades, facing an uncertain future regarding relocation. The rapid nature of the demolitions left many, including Ivan Ssentongo, who had resided there for seven years, unable to salvage essential items and facing the prospect of homelessness.
Makindye-Ssabagabo Member of Parliament David Sserukenya has called for the suspension of the exercise, urging NEMA to honor the commitments made. He advocated for a proactive approach, emphasizing the prevention of illegal wetland encroachment before development occurs, rather than demolishing established homes.
NEMA, however, has refuted claims of a broken agreement. Public Relations Officer William Lubulwa stated he was unaware of the specific May 29 meeting but asserted that residents in wetland areas had received repeated warnings since 2023. He indicated that the wetland restoration campaign would continue in other locations, including Mbale and Mbarara.
The recent evictions are part of a wider government initiative to restore degraded wetlands and mitigate flooding in urban and peri-urban areas. This operation follows similar enforcement activities in Lubigi Wetland and Lumpewo Wetland recently.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)