environment 23 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Declares End to Wetland Amnesty, Vows to Prosecute Encroachers and Corrupt Officials
Minister Kahinda Otafiire has announced an immediate end to leniency for those encroaching on Uganda's wetlands, vowing to pursue both illegal occupiers and public officials who enable environmental destruction. This shift marks a stringent enforcement approach to protect fragile ecosystems. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/no-more-mercy-otafiire-launches-crackdown-on-wetland-encroachers-enablers-5506116
Minister of Water and Environment, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, has declared an immediate end to any existing amnesty for individuals encroaching on Uganda’s wetlands. Speaking at the third National Environment Sustainability Awards (NESA) 2026, the minister signaled a significant shift towards stringent enforcement, emphasizing that mercy for wetland degraders is over.
Gen. Otafiire’s ultimatum targets not only those illegally occupying wetland areas but also the public officials who facilitate such destruction. He questioned the presence of humans in wetlands, stating, “If you are not a fish, a frog, a hippo, and a crocodile, what are you doing in the wetland?” He stressed that the unchecked destruction of these vital ecosystems has severe consequences for water security, public health, and future generations.
The minister’s tough stance is supported by economic perspectives. Bank of Uganda Governor, Michael Atingi-Ego, highlighted the macroeconomic and financial stability risks posed by climate change and environmental degradation. He noted that consequences like crop failure, impassable roads, and business disruptions extend beyond immediate damages, impacting loan portfolios, insurance claims, and public finances.
Dr. Barirega Akankwasa, Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), echoed the urgency, describing environmental protection as an existential imperative and economic necessity. NEMA has intensified its efforts through strict compliance monitoring, restoration initiatives, and digitizing services to combat corruption.
While the crackdown is the primary message, the NESA awards also celebrated innovation in conservation, recognizing efforts in waste conversion, green financing, and ecosystem restoration. Despite challenges, Uganda has seen improvements in forest cover and marginal gains in wetland coverage. However, for those continuing to degrade wetlands or enabling them, Gen. Otafiire’s message is clear: the grace period has officially concluded.
Source: Daily Monitor