NEMA intensifies wetland protection, stops illegal construction in Kajjansi

2 June 2026, 9:30 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

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 intensified efforts to safeguard wetlands across Uganda.

During a joint inspection of the Kajjansi Wetland on 31 May 2026, a team comprising NEMA’s Environmental Protection Force, the Environmental Protection Police Unit and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces halted illegal construction activities in the area and made several arrests.

In a statement released by NEMA, the Authority said a criminal case file had been opened under SD Ref. No. 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 their vigilance and for sharing information on areas under encroachment. NEMA remains committed to protecting Uganda’s environment and ensuring that people enjoy their right to a clean and healthy environment,” the statement reads.

According to NEMA, all individuals who have encroached on wetlands across the country are encouraged to heed the Authority’s call to peacefully vacate the affected areas before enforcement operations reach them. The Authority added that enforcement operations will continue until all encroached wetlands have been restored and protected.

However, some members of the public have previously urged NEMA to ensure that its enforcement efforts are applied fairly and consistently. Critics have called on the Authority to also address industries and other large-scale developments operating in wetlands and swamps, arguing that enforcement should target all encroachers equally.