NEMA Arrests Suspects, Halts Illegal Construction in Kajjansi Wetland

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in collaboration with the Department of Wetlands Management under the Ministry of Water and Environment and relevant local governments, has halted illegal construction activities and arrested several individuals during a joint inspection of Kajjansi Wetland.

The joint enforcement team, comprising NEMA’s Environment Protection Force, the Environmental Protection Police Unit, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), carried out the operation on Sunday, 31 May 2026.

Naomi N. Karekaho, NEMA’s Head of Corporate Communications, told the media that a criminal case file had been opened under SD Ref 04/31/05/2026 and that investigations were ongoing.

“The Authority is taking steps to halt further degradation in the area and will issue Environment Restoration Orders in accordance with the provisions of the National Environment Act, Cap 181. We commend the public for its vigilance and for sharing with us information on areas under encroachment,” Karekaho said.

She added that the Authority remains committed to protecting Uganda’s environment and ensuring that citizens enjoy their right to a clean and healthy environment.

“All people who have encroached on wetlands across Uganda are reminded to heed our call to peacefully vacate these wetlands before the operations reach them. Enforcement operations will continue until all encroached wetlands have been restored,” she said.

The development comes days after NEMA resumed restoration efforts in Lubigi Wetland, which has also faced widespread encroachment.