Hoima mayoral hopeful Kahuma vows tough action on wetland encroachment

26 November 2025, 7:57 am

By James Muhumuza

Uganda has diverse wetlands covering about 11–14% of its land area, which are vital for agriculture, water purification, flood control, and as habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna.

In a renewed push to address the escalating effects of climate change, Hoima City mayoral candidate Mustafa Kahuma has pledged to take firm action against wetland encroachment, insisting that environmental protection will not be compromised for political gain.

Kahuma, who is running as an Independent after losing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary election, says the conservation of wetlands is a priority for the city’s sustainable future.

He has vowed to enforce the vacation of all wetlands once elected, describing them as vital ecosystems that must be protected from degradation.

He emphasised that although evictions are necessary, they will be carried out humanely, with adequate sensitisation and identification of alternative operating spaces for those currently settled or trading in wetland areas.

“The fact is that they must vacate the wetlands as soon as I assume office. I will introduce several environmental protection initiatives to replace the trees that were cut down under previous regimes for commercial gain,” Kahuma said.

Beyond environmental conservation, Kahuma is also addressing the growing disorganisation caused by uncontrolled street vending.

He criticised the continued neglect of designated markets such as Kibiingo and Ruseembe, which he said have become bushy and abandoned despite their potential to support organised trading.

He argued that proper mobilisation and financial support would help vendors transition to these markets, reducing risks associated with street vending — particularly in areas like Hoima Central Market, located near a fuel station, where vendors reportedly light stoves close to petrol sources, posing a fire hazard.

Kahuma further proposed acquiring new land to construct additional markets to ensure that vendors have safer and more convenient spaces for their businesses.

“We must support them to get a better and safer place for their businesses because they contribute to the economy and have dependants,” he added.

As campaigns intensify, Kahuma maintains that effective urban organisation and environmental conservation are essential pillars of his leadership vision for a greener and more orderly Hoima City.