Minister Orders Arrest of Bushenyi Environment Officer and Businessman Over Wetland Destruction

State Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahaara has ordered the immediate arrest of Bushenyi District Environment Officer Vincent Katate and prominent local businessman Moses Ariho, who directs Kituzi Farm Company Limited. The directive follows an inspection of the heavily degraded Rwentuuha Town Council wetland.

During the visit to Kituzi Highway Point, Minister Barugahaara condemned what he described as glaring environmental impunity and selective law enforcement. He accused local technical teams of turning a blind eye while wealthy developers establish infrastructure, such as a petrol station, directly inside protected swamps.

“The poor are being evicted from the wetlands and the rich stay there. The environment officer should be arrested,” Barugahaara stated, noting that the destruction threatens irrigation water supplies and local wildlife habitats like those of the crested crane.

While on site, the Minister contacted National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah. Dr. Akankwasah confirmed that the developer lacked clearance and promised an immediate inspection by a specialized team.

Local leaders, including Bushenyi LC5 Chairman Prosper Twebaze and Assistant RDC Hillary Ngambirne, supported the crackdown. Authorities reported that encroachers have been using chemical herbicides and digging illegal drainage channels to bypass conservation laws. Environmental police and NEMA inspectors are expected to mark boundaries and halt ongoing construction.

Read more details on the Daily Monitor.