Panic and uncertainty have engulfed residents of Kajjansi after the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) issued restoration orders that could see more than 100 multimillion-shilling homes demolished for allegedly encroaching on protected wetlands.The looming demolition has sparked fear among homeowners, many of whom invested their life savings into luxurious residential properties now standing on what NEMA says are ecologically sensitive wetland areas.
NEMA Turns Heat On Wetland Encroachers
The warning comes amid an intensified nationwide crackdown on wetland degradation, with NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah personally leading an inspection tour of the Kajjansi wetland on Monday.During the visit, Dr. Barirega said the authority had already issued restoration orders requiring owners of structures built in the wetland to voluntarily remove them or face forceful demolition at their own cost.”The restoration orders require the owners of these structures to voluntarily remove them. If they fail to do so, enforcement action will be undertaken and the costs incurred will be charged to them,” Dr. Barirega said. The NEMA boss emphasized that the authority’s actions were aimed at protecting the environment and preventing future disasters linked to wetland destruction.”We do not love to see people’s livelihoods disrupted. We sympathise with the plight of the people who are removed by enforcement. However, we must protect wetlands because they are critical ecosystems that benefit the entire country,” Dr. Barirega said.The Kajjansi operation comes barely days after NEMA launched a controversial wetland restoration exercise in Busabala and Buko along the Munyonyo-Kajjansi Expressway, where thousands of residents were left counting losses following surprise enforcement actions. Now residents in Kajjansi fear they could be next.
Homeowners Cry Foul
Many of the affected properties are high-end bungalows and mansions worth hundreds of millions of shillings. Some are still under construction while others are fully occupied by families who claim they acquired the land legally.Residents who spoke to this publication accused authorities of failing to stop developers at the initial stages and only acting after huge investments had been made.”We bought this land through proper channels and obtained all the documents we were asked for. If this was a wetland, why did government agencies allow the transactions to happen?” wondered one homeowner who requested anonymity.
Another resident, who said he spent more than Shs700 million constructing his family home, described the situation as heartbreaking.”I sold property in town and invested everything here because I wanted a peaceful home for my family. Now they are telling us the house may be demolished. It is difficult to understand. Somebody should be held accountable for approving these developments,” he said.Several affected residents claim local authorities, surveyors and land brokers assured them that the land was suitable for development.”They collected taxes, approved plans and watched us build. Today they are treating us like criminals,” another resident complained.
Mixed Reactions As Debate Rages
The latest developments have triggered heated debate on social media, with many Ugandans expressing skepticism about whether NEMA will actually proceed with demolishing the luxury homes.Some users applauded the authority for taking a firm stand against wetland encroachment, arguing that environmental destruction has contributed to devastating floods in Kampala and surrounding areas.Others questioned whether the enforcement would be applied equally to all offenders regardless of their social status and political connections.”Let NEMA start with the rich and powerful if they are serious,” one commenter posted online.
Another wrote: “We have seen many announcements before. The question is whether they will actually demolish the big mansions or only target small people.”Environmental experts have long warned that continued encroachment on wetlands threatens Uganda’s ecosystem and increases the risk of flooding, water pollution and loss of biodiversity.According to NEMA officials, wetlands act as natural water reservoirs and filters, helping to regulate water flow during heavy rains while also supporting various plant and animal species.The authority insists that restoring degraded wetlands remains one of its key priorities despite the political and social challenges involved.
Busabala Lessons Deepen Kajjansi Fears
Meanwhile, fresh controversy is emerging over the manner in which recent enforcement operations have been conducted. Residents in Busabala and Buko accuse NEMA of reneging on an earlier agreement regarding the restoration exercise.According to affected locals, officials had reportedly informed them that the process would begin with the identification and marking of affected structures later this month. However, they claim heavy machinery arrived unexpectedly, catching residents off guard.”We were told there would first be demarcation and consultations. Instead, excavators arrived without warning. People did not even have enough time to remove their belongings,” said one affected resident.
Another resident expressed frustration over what he described as inadequate communication.”We are not refusing to cooperate, but government should engage people properly. Some families have nowhere else to go,” he said.The concerns have prompted calls for greater transparency from NEMA regarding how restoration orders are being implemented and the timelines involved.Local leaders are also demanding clear guidelines to help residents understand their rights and obligations.
As tension continues to rise, all eyes are now on Kajjansi, where dozens of homeowners are anxiously waiting to learn whether their houses will survive the latest environmental crackdown.For many families, the stakes could not be higher. Some have invested retirement savings, bank loans and years of hard work into properties that now face an uncertain future.
Despite the growing public outcry, NEMA appears determined to continue its campaign.Dr. Barirega reiterated that environmental laws must be respected if Uganda is to safeguard its wetlands for future generations.”The law is clear. Wetlands are protected areas and they must be restored. We appeal to the public to work with us in protecting the environment because the consequences of continued degradation affect everyone,” he said.Whether the threatened demolitions will proceed as planned remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: fear has gripped Kajjansi as homeowners brace for what could become one of the biggest wetland enforcement operations in recent years.For now, hundreds of residents are watching and waiting, hoping their dream homes do not become the next casualties in NEMA’s war against wetland encroachment.
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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