NEMA Justifies Lubigi Demolition Despite Public Outcry.
The Lubigi wetland has become a battleground, where environmental conservation clashes with human settlements, leaving behind a trail of controversy and displacement. The recent actions by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to reclaim this vital ecosystem have sparked intense debate and public outcry.
NEMA’s stance is firm: the demolition of illegal structures within Lubigi is not just a regulatory action but a crucial step to safeguard the delicate balance of nature. As Uganda’s primary environmental watchdog, NEMA argues that the preservation of the Lubigi wetland is essential for the sustainable future of Kampala and its neighboring districts. This wetland serves not only as a natural reservoir but also as a crucial water catchment area for the entire region, playing a vital role in mitigating floods and ensuring clean water supply.
The authority had issued clear directives in 2021, giving encroachers ample notice to vacate the wetland and restore it to its original state. Despite these warnings, the recent enforcement has led to the displacement of thousands, igniting passionate protests and criticisms.
At the forefront of this controversy is Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition, who has vehemently condemned the evictions as discriminatory. He alleges that while poor families are forcibly removed, industrial enterprises in other protected wetlands seem to operate with impunity—a stark contrast that raises questions about fairness and accountability in Uganda’s environmental policies.
Ssenyonyi’s attempt to assess the aftermath of the demolitions was met with resistance from law enforcement, escalating tensions and resulting in a brief standoff dispersed by tear gas—a vivid symbol of the clash between governmental authority and citizen dissent.
For the displaced residents of Ganda-Nasere Village in Wakiso District, the eviction has shattered lives and dreams built over years of settlement. They now seek justice and compensation, pointing fingers at the Buganda Kingdom for allegedly misleading them into settling in Lubigi and collecting rents despite the area’s protected status.
Amidst the chaos, Simon Nyanzi, a leader among the evictees, vows to pursue justice relentlessly until compensation is secured. His words echo the broader sentiment of those uprooted—feelings of betrayal and abandonment in the face of bureaucratic decisions that have irreversibly altered their lives.
Beyond the immediate human impact, NEMA remains resolute in its mission to protect Uganda’s natural heritage. The agency warns that failure to safeguard wetlands like Lubigi could lead to dire consequences, including water shortages affecting countless communities along the Central Cattle Corridor.
As the dust settles over Lubigi, the saga continues to unfold—a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between environmental conservation, urban development, and social justice in modern-day Uganda. The echoes of this conflict reverberate not only in Kampala’s bustling streets but also in the corridors of power, where decisions about land use and resource management shape the future of generations to come.