The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has halted the Nakiyanja wetland degradation to protect the critical ecosystem at Sonde in Kira municipality, Wakiso district. Wetland degradation increases the risk of flooding, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction for various species.

In a NEMA press statement released on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, a joint technical team from the Ministry of Water and Environment, NEMA, and the Environment Protection Police Unit effectively halted the development.

According to the statement, the degration was allegedly occasioned by Genagri Limited, which was duping the inspector with a certificate of approval from NEMA.

“Our inspectors have established that the degradation was allegedly occasioned by Genagri Limited, who was hoodwinking the inspectors with a certificate of approval No. NEMA/EIA/15422 issued to develop mixed residential and commercial structures on a small piece of dry land elsewhere. The developer instead illegally landed on the nearby Nakiyanja wetland,” the statement read in part.

The authorities stated that further investigation into the matter is ongoing and will result in a restoration order, as well as prosecution or payment of administrative fines.

Additionally, the Authority urged Ugandans to remain vigilant in their pursuit of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

The Nakiyanja wetland drains into the river Sezibwa, which serves the greater Kayunga and Mukono districts.

On September 2, 2021, NEMA suspended the approval and issuance of permits for wetland activities indefinitely, and it will continue to take decisive action to address all environmental violations nationwide.