The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has pledged to take immediate action in response to the rising tide of online reports highlighting wetland degradation across Uganda.
These reports, shared on X (formerly Twitter), have drawn attention to ongoing encroachment activities that threaten the country’s fragile ecosystems.
In a statement, NEMA reassured the public that all flagged cases are being investigated with the relevant authorities.
NEMA expressed gratitude for the active involvement of citizens in reporting wetland destruction and stressed the importance of public participation in environmental protection.
“We would like to thank all those posting areas of wetland encroachment on social media for our attention. We assure you that these cases are being followed up with relevant Local Governments and the Department of Wetland Management at the Ministry of Water and Environment,” the statement read.
The authority reiterated its commitment to collaborating with mandated institutions to address wetland encroachment.
“We shall continue to work with and support mandated institutions for wetland management to stop encroachment. All reported areas will be inspected, and appropriate actions taken. Together, we shall defeat wetlands and environmental degradation in general,” NEMA affirmed.
The increased public outcry comes amid growing concerns over unchecked encroachment by influential individuals, including Agather Atuhaire and Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo of AGORA. Social media users have raised alarm about selective enforcement, accusing NEMA of ignoring cases involving powerful individuals and corporations.
One user responded, “You only respond when the encroacher is a poor person. You ignored my posts three months ago of someone in Mbalwa Namugongo swamp who has filled the swamp with marram and is now constructing a recreation center.”
Another pointed to alleged complicity within NEMA itself, claiming, “Your officials are supporting the construction of a Stabex petrol station headquarters in a wetland, and now you come with this as a scapegoat to calm citizens.”
Despite these criticisms, NEMA has maintained that all reports are being followed up and emphasized the role of citizen engagement in environmental monitoring.
“Citizen engagement through platforms like social media demonstrates the critical role of the public in environmental management. These reports allow us to act swiftly to protect wetlands that serve as vital ecosystems for regulating water resources, biodiversity, and climate resilience,” the authority stated.
Although NEMA has not directly addressed the allegations of selective enforcement, the authority assured the public that no case will be ignored.
The recent uptick in citizen-driven environmental advocacy underscores the growing demand for stricter enforcement of environmental laws, particularly as Uganda’s wetlands face mounting threats from human activity.
Reports indicate that wetlands are being encroached upon at an alarming rate, with the Ministry of Water and Environment noting a loss of approximately 2% of wetland area annually.
Wetlands are critical ecosystems, providing essential services such as water regulation, biodiversity support, and climate change mitigation.
Despite stringent laws designed to protect these areas, activists argue that enforcement has been inconsistent, with powerful individuals and corporations often escaping accountability.
While NEMA’s renewed commitment has been welcomed by some, skepticism remains. Social media continues to shine a light on large-scale encroachment projects, including a recreation center in the Mbalwa-Namugongo wetland and a petrol station in another wetland, both of which critics claim are proceeding without repercussions.
NEMA, however, insists that the engagement of the public is crucial to preserving Uganda’s wetlands, urging Ugandans to continue reporting environmental violations.
“Together, we shall defeat environmental degradation,” the authority concluded.
Wetlands make up 11% of Uganda’s land, covering 2.5 million hectares, but over 60% have already been encroached upon as agriculture, industry, and urban settlements expand.
