In a joint operation with the Environmental Protection Force, Environmental Protection Police Unit, Territorial Police, and the Uganda
People’s Defence Forces, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), has successfully 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.
The exercise targeted an area illegally occupied and degraded under the purported leadership of Robert Kiiza, Shafick Manooti, Lukwago Musumba, and Cissy Kayongo.
During the operation, the following environmental violations were documented:
1. Illegal subdivision of plots in the wetland
2. Presence of makeshift structures constructed using tree bark and iron sheets
3. Backfilling of sections of the wetland with murram
4. Artificial drainage channels created to divert water from the wetland
5. Agricultural activities covering more than 3.5 acres, including the cultivation of
banana suckers, yams, maize, and cattle keeping
Subsequently, the following actions were taken:
1. Destruction of more than 54 makeshift structures using power saws and casual labour, rendering them uninhabitable
2. Removal of all foreign plant species that had been introduced in the wetland
3. Sensitization and warning of the local community to prevent further degradation
According to william Lubulwa Senior public relations officer at NEMA, the National Environment watch dong (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.
Note that Wetland degradation is a crime under Section 55 of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, and is punishable with a fine not exceeding UGX 600 million or imprisonment not exceeding 12 years or both.