NEMA grants 30-day grace period for wetland occupants ahead of enforcement

The National Environment Management Authority has announced a 30-day grace period for individuals and businesses occupying wetlands in Kampala and other parts of the country, giving them time to voluntarily vacate before enforcement operations resume.

In a public notice issued on June 8, 2026, NEMA said the decision follows consultations with the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Wetlands Management Department, and the Kampala Capital City Authority. The authority said the grace period is aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance with environmental laws on wetland protection.

“A grace period of thirty (30) days has been granted to allow persons occupying and undertaking activities in wetland areas to voluntarily and peacefully vacate such areas,” NEMA stated.

The directive applies to wetland systems and surrounding areas including Lubigi, Namuwongo, Luzira, Bugolobi, Kansanga, Ggaba, Katogo, and Munyonyo among others.

NEMA cautioned that all individuals engaged in occupation, development, or other activities in encroached wetland areas must vacate within the specified period.

“Upon expiry of the grace period, enforcement actions shall proceed in accordance with the National Environment Act, Cap. 181, and other applicable laws, without further notice,” the notice added.

The announcement follows recent wetland restoration operations in Kampala and other urban areas, including demolitions in the Lubigi Wetland System in Kawaala and Kasubi, as well as operations in Busabala, which left several structures demolished and displaced residents and business operators.

During these operations, authorities targeted illegal developments in protected ecosystems as part of a wider national environmental restoration campaign.

NEMA said that during the 30-day period, joint enforcement teams will continue mapping encroached areas, issuing Environmental Restoration Orders, identifying illegal structures, and preventing further encroachment or re-entry into restored zones.

The authority has urged occupants in wetlands to use the grace period to relocate voluntarily and comply with environmental regulations. It also noted that it is working closely with the Kampala Capital City Authority to ensure orderly evacuation of affected areas.

The development comes amid ongoing public debate over recent demolitions, with some critics alleging selective enforcement, while NEMA maintains its actions are lawful, evidence-based, and aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems.

NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah has previously defended the operations, saying they are guided by the National Environment Act and are necessary to protect wetlands that play key roles in flood control, water purification, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and public health.