NEMA Demolishes Homes and Businesses in Lubigi Wetland Crackdown

NEMA Demolishes Homes and Businesses in Lubigi Wetland CrackdownHundreds of families were displaced and several businesses destroyed on Thursday after the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) carried out an unexpected operation against encroachers in the Lubigi wetland.

The joint exercise, supported by the Uganda Police Force and the military, took many residents by surprise along the Kampala Northern Bypass in Kawaala Cell, Rubaga Division. Using heavy machinery, the enforcement team — including officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment — demolished homes, rental properties, and temporary business structures.This was the second major eviction exercise in the area following a similar operation conducted in May last year that left thousands displaced.

According to NEMA, the operation followed restoration orders issued in 2024 that gave residents 21 days to leave the wetland. However, after months without enforcement, many occupants believed the exercise had been abandoned.

“I had 20 rental houses, and now they are all gone,” cried Ms. Flavia Nantume, a landlord in the area. “Those houses were built from my lifetime savings, and everything has been destroyed within seconds.”

Business owners were also heavily affected. Mr. Sulaiman Ssenyonga, who operated a furniture workshop, watched as his business premises and the Kawaala carpenters’ Emyooga Sacco office were demolished.

“Our businesses have been destroyed, yet we are still expected to repay the Shs70 million Emyooga funds given to us. We are stranded,” he said.

Lubigi wetland is one of Kampala’s key water catchment areas, helping to filter runoff water and reduce flooding.

However, rapid urban growth has led to extensive encroachment, creating conflict between environmental protection and people’s livelihoods.

The operation briefly turned tense when angry residents protested the demolitions. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds and arrested at least four people accused of inciting violence. The exercise was later paused temporarily after some tractors became stuck in the wetland mud.

Political concerns also surfaced during the operation. A billboard bearing President Yoweri Museveni’s image stood near the demolished structures with the message in Luganda: “Mzee tutaase ku bibanja byaffe” (Mzee, save our land).

Local leaders criticized the manner in which the evictions were conducted. Rubaga Division councillor Mr. James Mubiru accused NEMA of unfairly targeting low-income residents while leaving large developers untouched.

“We want government to compensate these affected people,” Mr. Mubiru said. “There are major projects operating in the same wetland, but no action is taken against them. Why only target poor residents?”

For residents like Ms. Madina Namyalo, a single mother and furniture dealer with eight children, the demolitions have left uncertainty and despair.

“This business paid school fees and provided food for my family. I do not know where to start from now,” she said.

In a statement, NEMA defended the operation, saying the evictions were carried out after the expiry of the voluntary relocation period.

“NEMA issued restoration orders in line with the National Environment Act, Cap 181,” the statement said. “It is illegal to settle or construct in wetlands without authorization. All remaining occupants must vacate immediately.”