Authorities have intensified efforts to restore the degraded Lubigi Wetland, demolishing illegal structures and cracking down on encroachment in a joint operation led by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The operation, conducted in Kigwanya Zone, Busega Parish, Lubaga Division, involved the Environmental Protection Force, Environmental Protection Police Unit, Territorial Police, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Officials targeted an area illegally occupied under the leadership of individuals identified as Robert Kiiza, Shafick Manooti, Lukwago Musumba, and Cissy Kayongo.
Authorities documented several environmental violations, including the illegal subdivision of wetland plots, makeshift structures made of tree bark and iron sheets, backfilling with murram, and the creation of artificial drainage channels to divert water.
Additionally, more than 3.5 acres of wetland had been converted for agricultural activities, including banana, yam, and maize cultivation, as well as cattle keeping.
As part of the restoration efforts, enforcement teams have Demolished over 54 makeshift structures, Removed foreign plant species introduced into the wetland, Conducted community sensitisation to prevent further encroachment and NEMA has warned that any attempts to re-encroach on the restored section of the wetland will be met with strict enforcement.
“Wetland degradation is a crime under Section 55 of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, and offenders face fines of up to Shs 600 million or imprisonment of up to 12 years,” NEMA stated. Wetlands play a crucial role in regulating water flow, preventing floods, and maintaining biodiversity. However, rapid urbanisation and illegal settlements have led to widespread encroachment, prompting government-led restoration efforts. NEMA has called on local communities and stakeholders to support wetland conservation, emphasising that protecting these ecosystems is vital for environmental sustainability and climate resilience.