Lubigi Evictions: Namuddu Receives Well-Wishers' Shs10m to Rebuild Her Home

Human rights activist Agather Atuhaire, who handed over the funds, shared the heartfelt gratitude of Ms Namuddu and her family.

Seventy-two-year-old Jjaja Rose Namuddu has received Shs10.5 million from generous donors to help her rebuild her home after being displaced during the recent Lubigi wetland evictions.

Human rights activist Agather Atuhaire, who handed over the funds, shared the heartfelt gratitude of Ms Namuddu and her family.

"She was so grateful and happy that her nephew even said he didn’t know she could still smile. She sent me to thank all of you on her behalf since she has no way of reaching everyone directly," Ms Atuhaire posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"I also thank you for your generosity and trust in me. I will retrieve a statement from MTN when I get a moment and share it. Thanks to everyone who helped," she added.

Ms Namuddu had been homeless after her home was destroyed during a National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) operation in October 2024.

Following her release from prison, where she had spent two months after being arrested during the eviction, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to support her.

The initiative, led by AGORA, a digital platform for human rights and social justice, quickly gained traction, with contributions from various supporters, including prominent figures such as State Minister for Youth Balaam Barugahara and activist Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo.

Ms Namuddu has already secured a plot of land provided by the National Unity Platform, and the donated funds will go towards constructing her new home.

The Struggles of Namuddu

In July 2024, NEMA carried out a forceful eviction of residents from the Lubigi wetland, displacing hundreds of families.

Ms Namuddu’s story became a symbol of the eviction's impact after a poignant photograph of her, standing still with a chicken in hand, went viral.

The image captured her emotional devastation as she lost the home she had cherished for years.

With no shelter left, Namuddu set up a tent on the land as a temporary home for her family. However, in October, she was arrested for failing to comply with eviction orders and notices.

This arrest, along with the broader eviction efforts, sparked criticism, with many accusing NEMA of selectively enforcing environmental laws.

In response to the situation, Balaam Barugahara, the Stateminister for youth and children’s affairs, expressed regret over the evictions and pledged his support for Namuddu, contributing Shs1 million to her cause.

"We, as leaders, must learn from this and do better to shield our most vulnerable citizens from exploitation and harassment," Barugahara said.

NEMA, which had issued eviction notices to residents as early as 2016 and 2021, defended its actions, stating that enforcing the law in the wetland areas was necessary, despite the hardships it caused for the displaced people.

NEMA’s Executive Director, Akankwasa Barirega, acknowledged the challenges, saying, “It is sad seeing people being inconvenienced, but we are required by the law to enforce it.”

However, NEMA's selective enforcement has drawn criticism, especially in light of reports that affluent individuals operating businesses in wetlands, such as petrol stations and factories, have been spared from similar consequences.

Dr  Ssentongo, a human rights activist, highlighted this issue, urging NEMA to apply the same standards to wealthy individuals damaging wetlands.

In defense of the agency, Barirega pointed to Section 55 of the National Environment Act, which allows certain structures in wetlands if they meet sustainable development criteria and pass environmental impact assessments.

He emphasized that evicting these developments could cause significant financial losses.

As the situation continues to unfold, Namuddu’s case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing vulnerable communities in Uganda and the need for more balanced and equitable enforcement of environmental laws.