By Kabuye Ronald
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has addressed allegations of selective evictions of encroachers on wetlands, emphasizing the need for fair and lawful enforcement across all cases. According to NEMA, all individuals found violating the law should face equal eviction and punishment as dictated by the country’s regulations.
Speaking at a fellowship event hosted by the Rotary Club of Mengo, which focused on educating Rotarians on environmental preservation, climate change mitigation, and adaptation, Wilbert Ikilai, Manager of Environmental Education and Advocacy at NEMA, clarified the eviction process. The event took place at Pope Paul Hotel.
Ikilai explained that eviction from wetlands and other environmental reserves is a complex, time-consuming process. He noted that some individuals legally occupy wetlands because they acquired permits before the new laws came into effect.
“When we talk about wetland encroachment, it’s not that we aren’t making efforts. Significant work is already underway to address the issue, with teams actively moving in areas like Lubigi, Makindye Ssabagabo, and now engaging communities in Munyonyo. The challenge is that eviction is a process that involves engagement, dialogue, and legal actions. It takes time before people are removed from wetlands,” Ikilai said.
Ikilai further highlighted that while NEMA has a broader mandate to oversee environmental matters, the authority works closely with local government leaders. He emphasized that environmental management is a decentralized function, and local leaders play a crucial role in preventing illegal settlement in wetlands.
Addressing concerns about factories being established in wetlands, Ikilai explained that the law does not apply retrospectively. Many industrial zones, such as industrial parks, were designated as such long before the new environmental regulations were enacted. As a result, NEMA cannot de-gazette these areas. However, Ikilai assured that since September 2, 2021, NEMA, in collaboration with the Uganda Investment Authority and local governments, has been working to prevent any new developments in wetlands.
Rotary Club of Mengo President, Rotarian Pafrah Mulambuzi, expressed the club’s commitment to prioritizing environmental issues, stressing that the health of the environment directly impacts the well-being of the nation. “When the environment is destroyed, it leads to catastrophe,” Mulambuzi warned. He explained that Rotary’s collaboration with NEMA is crucial, as the club has the capacity to mobilize funds, raise awareness, and encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as solar energy.
Mulambuzi also attributed much of the environmental encroachment to urbanization, infrastructure development, and general growth. “This is why we are joining forces with NEMA to advance the message of environmental preservation,” he said.
