Thousands of residents living in wetlands across Kampala and surrounding districts have been put on notice after the newly appointed Water and Environment Minister, Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, threw his full weight behind the National Environment Management Authority’s aggressive campaign to reclaim encroached wetlands.
The operation, which has already seen makeshift homes demolished in Lubigi, Kawala, Kigo and Busabala, is now heading for other hotspots including Kansanga, Kajjansi and parts of Kampala, sparking fear, anger and uncertainty among affected residents.
Speaking in defense of NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, Otafiire delivered a statement that immediately set tongues wagging. “If you’re not a crocodile, what are you doing in wetlands? Only reptiles have a natural license to live in wetlands,” Otafiire declared while defending the agency’s efforts to restore degraded ecosystems.The minister criticized individuals attacking Dr. Barirega for enforcing environmental laws, insisting that Uganda’s wetlands must be protected regardless of who occupies them.
NEMA’S NEXT TARGETS REVEALED
His remarks come as NEMA intensifies what is shaping up to be one of the largest environmental enforcement operations in recent years. “Next month is going to be a busy one. We have issued warnings to all those living in wetlands or who have constructed houses in wetlands. The Kampala people have also been given one more month,” Dr. Barirega warned.
The tough-talking environmental watchdog boss has vowed not to spare anyone, whether poor squatters or owners of multimillion-shilling properties. And that warning is sending chills through residents and investors alike.In Kajjansi alone, several high-value developments sit within wetland areas, including the headquarters of the National Medical Stores. Environmental officials say no illegal structure will be exempted from scrutiny as the operation gathers momentum.
TEARS AS FAMILIES LOSE HOMES
But while conservationists are celebrating, many families facing eviction say they have nowhere else to go. At Lubigi, where demolitions recently took place, residents watched helplessly as structures were brought down. “Everything I own was in that house,” said Sarah Nakanwagi, a mother of four who claimed she had lived in the area for nearly a decade.
“We understand the need to protect the environment, but where are we supposed to sleep tonight? Government should first give us an alternative place before demolishing our homes.”
Another resident, James Kato, accused authorities of targeting the poor while larger developments continue operating.”The small people are the first victims. We want to know whether the big buildings in these wetlands will also be removed. The law should apply equally to everyone.”
ENVIRONMENTALISTS SAY ‘NO TURNING BACK’
However, environmental activists insist the evictions are long overdue. According to conservation campaigner Lydia Namubiru, wetland destruction has significantly worsened flooding in Kampala and neighboring districts.
“Wetlands are nature’s drainage channels. When people build in them, they block water flow and create disasters for entire communities. The enforcement may be painful, but it is necessary if we want to save the environment.”
Environmental advocate Moses Ssemakula agreed.
“For years, wetlands have been grabbed and degraded. The result has been severe flooding, pollution and loss of biodiversity. Government must act firmly and consistently, regardless of who owns the structures.”
BIG FISH ALSO IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Experts say wetlands play a critical role in filtering pollutants, controlling floods and protecting water sources.NEMA officials argue that failure to restore them now could expose the country to even greater environmental and economic losses in the future.
For Dr. Barirega, the mission is clear.The environmental czar has repeatedly vowed to leave no stone unturned in the fight to reclaim Uganda’s wetlands.
Whether occupied by shacks, mansions or government installations, the message from NEMA appears unmistakable: the era of unchecked wetland encroachment is coming to an end.
COUNTDOWN TO SHOWDOWN
As Kampala’s one-month countdown begins, thousands of residents are anxiously waiting to see whether the crackdown will spare anyone—or whether Otafiire’s “crocodiles only” declaration signals the start of a ruthless new chapter in Uganda’s environmental enforcement campaign.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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