A number of families in Kasubi and Kawaala have been left homeless and scrambling for shelter after the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) carried out an operation to evict encroachers from the Lubigi Wetland.
The operation, conducted in Kawaala II Ward, Kasubi Ward, Rubaga North Division, saw numerous structures, including rental houses, family homes, and business premises, demolished.
NEMA enforcement teams, backed by heavy machinery, razed the structures despite resistance and pleas from residents.
Sulaiman Ssennoga, a local resident whose furniture workshop was destroyed during the operation, expressed shock and despair over the losses incurred.
“This furniture you see here is worth Shs70 million and belongs to members of an Emyooga SACCO, but now everything is going to be destroyed,” he said.
Ssennoga, who has lived in Kawaala for more than 35 years, said he had nowhere else to go after losing his home.
“I have stayed in this place for 35 years and raised all my children here, but now my home has been demolished. I have nowhere to go,” he lamented.
NEMA said the operation is part of efforts to restore the Lubigi Wetland, an exercise that had been temporarily suspended last year to allow residents time to vacate voluntarily.
“We have commenced the restoration of Lubigi Wetland after it was paused last year following the lapse of a grace period given to residents to move out voluntarily and peacefully,” NEMA said in a statement.
The Authority added that several reminders had been issued through radio, television, and physical notices, but many residents failed to comply.
NEMA emphasized the critical role played by the Lubigi Wetland, including flood control, water filtration, pollution management, groundwater and surface water recharge, micro-climate regulation, rainfall formation, and providing a habitat for endangered species such as the Grey Crowned Crane and other migratory birds.
The wetland also supports surrounding communities through the provision of medicinal plants, craft materials, and animal fodder.
“A person who encroaches on a wetland commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding 30,000 currency points, imprisonment not exceeding 12 years, or both,” NEMA warned.
Several residents who attempted to resist the demolitions were arrested during the operation.
The exercise forms part of a coordinated effort involving NEMA, the Uganda Police Force, the UPDF, and the Ministry of Water and Environment to restore and protect the wetland ecosystem.
