Lord Mayor Balimwezo meets city leaders over NEMA evictions and fair enforcement

8 June 2026, 1:39 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Lord Mayor of Kampala, His Worship Ronald Balimwezo, today held a meeting with members of the city executive committee and the Mayor of Kawempe Division to update the public on ongoing discussions regarding recent evictions carried out by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

According to the Lord Mayor, he received information about the evictions while on official duty in South Africa. Upon his return, he immediately began engaging stakeholders in search of a possible solution.

“I received information about this while I was in South Africa on official duty. You cannot demolish an entire parish. We appeal to the leadership of NEMA to do what is necessary, but selective application of the law is also not acceptable. If the directive is to enforce the law, let it be done fairly. We must safeguard the wetlands. Let NEMA allow the committee to operate, which will be led by the chairperson and deputy,” he said.

He further noted that during discussions with NEMA, it was agreed that the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) should explore possible compensation mechanisms for affected residents.

“There is a plan to evict people in Bwaise I and II. Doing so without proper planning will create insecurity in the country. We must uphold the rule of law,” he added.

The Mayor of Lubaga Division, Mr Zacchy Mberaze Mawula, who also attended the meeting, condemned the evictions carried out by NEMA.

In the same meeting, KCCA officials from the Office of the Lord Mayor also shared their views. Ms Shamim Nambasa expressed sympathy for residents affected by the evictions.

“I sympathise with the people who were evicted by NEMA. In Kawala and Bwaise I and II, there are buildings that were spared. To be exact, in Lubigi, even the Stabex fuel station was spared,” she said.

Another official, Ms Judith Nalukwago, noted that delays in constituting the relevant committee have hampered efforts to address the issue.

“As a minister who should sit on that committee, my hands are tied because it has not been constituted for one and a half years. We urge the KCCA Executive Director, Ms Sharifah Buzeki, to look into this so that the committee is formed to help both the evicted people and others. Local council leaders should also be empowered and educated on the importance of wetlands so they do not mismanage them,” she said.