A trade order enforcement operation targeting wetland encroachment in Hoima City has resulted in the impoundment of a Kasamba bus and several other vehicles, alongside the arrest of multiple motorists accused of supporting illegal car washing bays within protected wetland areas.
The Kasamba bus, registration number UAL 333L, was among at least ten vehicles impounded and taken to Hoima Central Police Station (CPS) during the Wednesday-long operation conducted by Hoima City authorities in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and security agencies.
Other impounded vehicles included a Fuso lorry (UBM 776L), Toyota Premio (UAW 051N), Toyota Wish (UBQ 138H), among others. At least ten motorcycles, including Bajaj Boxer models, CT motorcycle (UAM 551GX), UMA 483HR, UMA 610DQ, and Senke models, were also impounded. Eight vehicle owners were arrested and detained at Hoima CPS.
The operation covered more than ten hotspot areas, including Bujumbura East, Duhaga, Kiganda, Kigaragara, Kiryabana, and Katasiya cells. It targeted illegal motor vehicle washing bays within wetlands, as well as other activities such as bricklaying, construction, agriculture, and settlement in protected wetland zones.
According to Robert Byaruhanga, the Natural Resources Officer, the enforcement follows presidential directives on the eviction of wetland encroachers who continue to threaten ecosystems across the city.
He said the city had first implemented community sensitisation campaigns through public address systems, radio talk shows, and public announcements before moving to enforcement.
“The operation targets all activities within the 30-metre buffer zone of wetlands, including agriculture, bricklaying, automobile washing, and construction,” Byaruhanga said.
He added that all affected individuals would be charged by NEMA in accordance with national environmental laws.
Milton Asiimwe, Assistant Deputy Clerk, said the operation would continue until the trade order policy is fully enforced across the city.
He urged affected individuals to explore government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and youth livelihood initiatives to support alternative income sources.
“We believe those affected can still earn a living by tapping into government programs and shifting to lawful business activities,” Asiimwe said.
Bunyoro Regional NEMA Investigations Officer Christopher Mpala Lubega said the phased operation would continue, involving the impounding of vehicles, destruction of illegal activities within wetlands, and arrest of offenders.
Albertine Environmental Police Commander January Kusiima said security forces remain committed to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring compliance.
Hoima City Environment Officer Jonan Bizibu expressed concern over continued wetland encroachment despite repeated sensitisation efforts. He noted that degradation of wetlands has affected water tables and contributed to water shortages in the growing city.
He also warned that car washing activities in wetlands expose communities to health risks due to oil contamination in water sources.
He called for sustained joint efforts to restore degraded ecosystems.
Community Response
Despite the enforcement operations, affected residents said they depend on wetlands for survival, including car washing, agriculture, and bricklaying.
Rojas Abitegeka, a car washer along River Wambabya in Katasiya, condemned the operation, saying it had disrupted his livelihood.
“This is how we survive. We use this work to feed our families, educate our children, and pay medical bills,” he said.
Some car washers said they had previously been pushed beyond the 30-metre buffer zone but were still targeted during the operation, with equipment such as water pumps confiscated.
Andrew Kemigisa, another affected vehicle owner, accused authorities of selective enforcement, while boda boda rider Henry Kajura said many operators would struggle to afford alternative washing facilities.
