The Kampala Central Member of Parliament, Muhammad Nsereko, has asked the government to consider compensating residents who settled on Lubigi Swamp before they are evicted.

MP Nsereko faulted the government for allowing the residents to first settle in the wetlands for over 10 years and later turn to evict them.

He made the appeal during a meeting held between the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) and officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on June 13, 2024.

The officials had been summoned to provide responses to the December 2023 Auditor General’s report.

“Let us compensate these people with either land or give them Shs20 million to 30 million and have them out, then cordon off that area and say, No more encroachment,” said Nsereko.

Nsereko cited the scenario where people who encroached on the Lake Mburo game reserve were compensated despite having occupied the land.

He adds that the illegal settlers were given new land titles and compensated for having been evicted from the game park.

MP Nsereko wondered why the same gesture isn’t extended towards people who wrongly occupied Lubigi Swamp, with clear watch over by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and other local authorities.

David Luyimbazi, the Deputy Executive Director (KCCA), warned that if Uganda doesn’t take swift action to protect its wetlands and environment, the country will likely pay a heavy price in the future.

He emphasized that the issue of encroachment on wetlands and drainage reserves is alarming within Kampala.