The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has announced a one-month grace period for people occupying wetlands in Kampala to voluntarily vacate, halting ongoing eviction operations.
In a statement, NEMA said the decision follows consultations with the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Wetlands Management Department, and the leadership of Kampala Capital City.
The grace period is meant to allow “persons occupying and undertaking activities in wetland areas to voluntarily and peacefully vacate such areas,” the statement reads.
Effective today Monday 8 June, all persons occupying or developing wetlands, including areas around Lubigi Wetland, Namuwongo, Luzira, Bugolobi, Kansanga, Ggaba, Katogo, and Munyonyo, are urged to leave voluntarily within thirty days.
During the grace period, joint enforcement teams will continue mapping and documenting encroachments, issuing Environmental Restoration Orders, marking illegal structures, and preventing new encroachments.
“Upon expiry of the grace period, enforcement actions shall proceed…without further notice,” NEMA warned.
The recent wetland eviction operations have drawn widespread attention, with scenes of demolished homes leaving many poor families homeless.
The operations have sparked mixed reactions across social media, political circles, and civil society, with some questioning why wealthy individuals encroaching on wetlands appear untouched.
NEMA called on all affected persons, community leaders, political leaders, and the public to cooperate in protecting and restoring wetlands, which are vital for flood control, water purification, climate resilience, biodiversity, and public health.
