Over 54 Illegal Structures Demolished as NEMA Reclaims Lubigi Wetland

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in a joint operation with the Environmental Protection Force, Environmental Protection Police Unit, Territorial Police, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, has restored a degraded section of the Lubigi Wetland System at Kigwanya Zone, Busega Parish, Lubaga Division.

This operation was conducted under National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) SD 19/26/11/2024, targeting an area illegally occupied and degraded under the purported leadership of Robert Kiiza, Shafick Manooti, Lukwago Musumba, and Cissy Kayongo.

William Lubuulwa, the Senior Public Relations Officer at NEMA, says that during the operation, several environmental violations were documented, including the illegal subdivision of plots in the wetland, the presence of makeshift structures constructed using tree bark and iron sheets, the backfilling of sections of the wetland with murram, the creation of artificial drainage channels to divert water from the wetland, and agricultural activities covering more than 3.5 acres, including the cultivation of banana suckers, yams, and maize, as well as cattle keeping.

Subsequently, the action was taken, leading to the destruction of more than 54 makeshift structures using power saws and casual labor, rendering them uninhabitable. Additionally, all foreign plant species introduced into the wetland were removed, and the local community was sensitized and warned to prevent further degradation.

“NEMA remains committed to protecting Uganda’s wetland ecosystems and calls upon all stakeholders, including the community, to support conservation efforts. Any attempts to re-encroach on the restored section of Lubigi Wetland will be met with strict enforcement measures,” said Lubuulwa.

He warned that wetland degradation is a crime under Section 55 of the NEMA Act Cap 181 and is punishable by a fine not exceeding UGX 600 million, imprisonment for up to 12 years, or both upon conviction.