KCCA leaders blast NEMA’s ‘illegal’ wetland demolitions, Shs1m ‘peanuts’ payouts

Kampala Lord Mayor Eng. Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga and KCCA leaders have demanded an immediate halt to ongoing wetland evictions, condemning the central government's UGX 1 million compensation as "peanuts." Led by Balimwezo and Godfrey Luyombya (Executive Secretary for Physical Planning), the leaders accuse the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of executing illegal direct demolitions. They argue that under the law, evictions must be channeled through the statutory Kampala Environment Management Committee, which is not yet operationalized to handle grievances. Lubaga Division Mayor Zacchy Mberaze Mawula warned that bypassing local structures violates residents' rights. This standoff mirrors previous high-handed NEMA operations, notably the 2024 Lubigi wetland evictions that left thousands homeless and sparked intense public outcry over selective enforcement. Critics then, as now, point out that while poor residents face ruthless enforcement, tycoon-owned factories and luxury apartments in the same ecological zones remain untouched.