Officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) have halted the illegal construction of a housing project in a protected wetland in Busia during a joint enforcement operation conducted on Thursday.
The operation took place in Buwambo Village, Masafu Ward, Masafu Town Council, where a team from NEMA’s Mbale Regional Office and wetland officers from the Ministry of Water and Environment found an unlawful structure under construction.
Authorities said the facility was suspected to be intended for use as a mortuary, raising concerns over potential environmental contamination and public health risks within the wetland ecosystem.
Five suspects were arrested at the site during the operation, while construction tools and equipment were impounded to stop further works.
NEMA officials ordered the immediate suspension of the project, warning that those involved would face legal action under Uganda’s environmental laws.
Wetlands are protected ecosystems that play a critical role in water filtration, flood control, biodiversity conservation and climate regulation.
Environmental experts warn that encroachment on wetlands increases the risk of flooding, water pollution and ecosystem degradation.
According to Uganda’s environmental legislation, illegal wetland encroachment attracts severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment or both upon conviction.
Speaking after the operation, Immaculate Nantume, a Senior Environment Officer at NEMA’s Mbale Regional Office, said wetlands are essential to sustainable development and national environmental security.
“Protecting our wetlands is not just an environmental imperative; it is a matter of national security and sustainable development,” Nantume said.
“These areas are critical for water catchment, flood mitigation and supporting livelihoods. We will not stand idly by while they are destroyed for illegal or ill-conceived projects,” she added.
The operation highlighted growing collaboration between NEMA and the Ministry of Water and Environment in enforcing environmental regulations and protecting fragile ecosystems across the country.
Environmental authorities say wetlands across Uganda continue to face pressure from illegal developments, urban expansion, agriculture and infrastructure projects.
NEMA has urged members of the public to report cases of wetland encroachment and other environmental violations to relevant authorities.
“We encourage anyone who witnesses or has information about illegal activities in wetlands to report it immediately to NEMA or the relevant authorities,” Nantume said.
The suspects are expected to face charges under the National Environment Act as investigations continue.