In the wake of the National Environment Management Authority’s (NEMA) Wetland Restoration Exercise at Lubigi, which left many homeless, Nakawa Division leaders urgently sought dialogue with NEMA amid reports that enforcement officers might be heading to Nakawa next.
The concerns led to a letter from Moses Okwera Mugisha, a resident and former Councillor of Nakawa Division, addressed to NEMA. The letter, written yesterday, resulted in a timely meeting held today between Nakawa Division leaders, residents, and NEMA officials. The deliberations were productive, leading to several key resolutions.
*Key Resolutions from the Meeting*
No Demolitions in Nakawa Division: One of the primary outcomes was the assurance that there would be no demolitions of property in Nakawa Division at this stage.
Follow-up Meeting: A subsequent meeting is scheduled in two weeks. This meeting will include other government bodies such as the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), the Standard Gauge Railway, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and the Ministry of Water, among others.
Community Sensitization: Following the second meeting, NEMA or the Wetland Department will carry out sensitization efforts with the local leaders of Nakawa. This aims to educate residents about wetland conservation and the legal implications of encroachment.
Moses Okwera emphasized the importance of not panicking and urged those constructing in swamp areas to cease their activities immediately.
Nakawa Mayor Paul Mugambe committed to contacting the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to discuss the formation of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. This committee, though stipulated in the NEMA Act, has not yet been established.
Okwera expressed gratitude to various local leaders, including Hon. Assimwe Robert, the Secretary for Women Affairs in Kinawataka, Mutungo Councillor Hon. Faizal Kibirige, and several chairpersons and councillors from different zones, for their participation and support. He reiterated that the community stands united in addressing these challenges.
Victor Nahabwe, NEMA’s Senior Manager for Environment and Field Operations, clarified that NEMA operates collaboratively with local governments and urban authorities. He stressed that NEMA’s goal is to restore wetlands rather than evict residents outright. However, he warned that those occupying wetlands should vacate voluntarily to avoid legal repercussions.
Nahabwe announced that another comprehensive meeting with all stakeholders would be held soon. He also emphasized the importance of further sensitizing Nakawa residents through their local leadership before any enforcement actions are taken, although he did not specify a timeline for these actions.
He urged the leaders to obtain a copy of the Gazettement of Wetlands, published in the Uganda Gazette on December 4, 2023, which details all wetlands across the country. Nahabwe pointed out that while many individuals hold land titles for wetland areas, this does not permit unrestricted use of these lands.
Since NEMA ceased approving projects on wetlands from September 2, 2021, following a public notice, Nahabwe called for increased ground-level sensitization. He warned against illegal developments in wetlands, stating that those who persist will face enforcement measures.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between NEMA, local government bodies, and the residents of Nakawa to ensure sustainable wetland management. With planned follow-up meetings and community sensitization, it is hoped that these efforts will lead to better understanding and compliance with environmental regulations, ultimately protecting Uganda’s vital wetland ecosystems.
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