Senior Presidential Advisor on military affairs, Caleb Akandwanaho, has distanced himself from a controversial storeyed building in Busabala wetland that has sparked public outrage following a major environmental enforcement exercise.
The building reportedly survived a two-day operation by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which saw more than 100 homes demolished in Buggu Village, Busabala, in Wakiso District as part of a wetland restoration drive.
In an open letter shared on social media, Gen Saleh dismissed allegations circulating on TikTok claiming he owns a hotel in Kampala situated in a wetland, allegedly jointly with a person identified as Natasha.
“I have seen a citizen on TikTok claiming that I own a hotel in Kampala and in a wetland and further alleges that I own it with Natasha,” he reportedly wrote, rejecting the claims.
The retired army general expressed concern over what he described as the misuse of freedom of expression, warning against the spread of unverified claims that damage reputations.
He further called on institutions including the Uganda Land Commission, Buganda Land Board, Kampala District Land Board, and the National Housing and Construction Company to investigate and expose individuals behind wetland encroachment in Busabala.
The demolitions carried out by NEMA formed part of a wider nationwide restoration exercise, which also targeted sections of the Lubigi wetland in Kampala. The operation, however, has triggered public debate after some structures near Lake Victoria shores and adjacent high-value properties were reportedly spared.
Critics have accused the agency of selective enforcement, alleging double standards in the implementation of environmental protection laws.
However, NEMA spokesperson William Lubuulwa dismissed the claims, insisting that enforcement was carried out within the agency’s legal mandate and based on set restoration criteria. He maintained that the structure near Kaazi Resort Beach did not meet the threshold for demolition under the operation’s guidelines.
The controversy continues to fuel public discussion around wetland protection, urban development, and fairness in environmental law enforcement across the country.