The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has promised to evict more people who have continuously encroached on wetlands in Uganda.

The NEMA Executive Director, Dr. Akankwasah Barirega, asked those who are wrongly occupying wetlands to leave before they are forcefully evicted.

Akankwasah made these remarks at the Napil Trade Show and Bazaar in Namunkenkera Liao Shen Industrial Park in Kapeeka, Nakaseke district, on September 27, 2024.

“There are more evictions coming in different areas of Uganda, in areas of Munyonyo, Entebbe Road around Nabingirwa Swamp, Wakiso, Kiira Municipality, Kasokoso, Bugolobi, Namuwongo, Luzira, and other areas around the country,” Akankwasa said.

When asked about the action NEMA can take on big investors and other key government figures who have also constructed in wetlands, Akanwasah said that unlike before, the authority now has the support of the president and no one will be spared.

“We have the backing of the President, and you know his stand on the encroachment of wetlands, and we shall do our best to recover the lost wetlands.” Akankwasa added.

In 2015, the Ministry of Water and Environment estimated that Uganda was losing an average of 5,000 hectares of wetlands per year. This rate of wetland degradation and loss was of great concern, with many ecosystems facing rapid and irreversible changes. Urgent action was then taken to halt the loss and to promote conservation and restoration efforts.

The NEMA 2024 vision is to have at least 14% out of the 15% wetland cover recovered, and with that in mind, it is currently evicting families and grading down buildings and businesses illegally raised in wetlands.

It has taken up an initiative to inform the general public about not encroaching on wetlands, and it is using any available avenues to sensitize the public, and the Napil Trade Show and Bazaar were one of those opportunities to target the communities.

The Napil trade bazaar attracted investors, service providers, and different manufacturers who showcased both physical products and services, mostly made in Uganda and mainly from the Kapeeka Industrial Park in Nakaseke district.

Many government agencies and private companies also showcased different products and services, and many trade show revellers were seen visiting different stalls, acquiring different products, which mostly were at a reduced price.