Ssemujju Nganda arrested

Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ssemujju Nganda arrested by police after convening a meeting over evictions
Arrest took place in Kasokoso in Kira sub-county, where residents had gathered to discuss issues involving NEMA and Uganda National Roads Authority
NEMA has been evicting people without compensation, which is not provided for in the law

The legislator was whisked away on Wednesday by security from Kasokoso in Kira sub-county after he had convened a meeting over the ongoing eviction operations of wetland encroachers by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

The residents had gathered to meet Semujju, and Ronald Balimwezo, Nakawa East MP, to discuss issues involving NEMA and the Uganda National Roads Authority. However, upon arrival, they found a heavy police and UPDF presence.

Authorities claimed they were unaware of the scheduled meeting before arresting Semujju.

The legislator noted that NEMA has been evicting people without compensation.

We cannot compensate wetland encroachers - NEMA

Speaking recently, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, executive director of NEMA, explained that compensating wetland encroachers is not provided for in the law.

“The government cannot therefore compensate encroachers, as this would not only invite more encroachments but also be a tacit approval of illegality,” he explained.

Under Section 55 of the National Environment Act, 2019, encroaching on wetlands is deemed illegal and carries severe penalties, including a maximum sentence of 12 years in jail, a fine of up to Shs 600 million, or both upon conviction.

Before NEMA can initiate eviction proceedings, they must issue a restoration order under Section 133 of the National Environment Act, 2019.

The order grants encroachers 21 days to restore the wetland to its original state, vacate the premises, or appeal the order in court. If the encroacher fails to comply within the specified timeframe, NEMA is authorised to use force to remove them and restore the area, with the costs borne by the violator.

Museveni backs NEMA

President Yoweri Museveni advised that wetland encroachers should vacate peacefully.

He blamed the predicament on local leaders, who let the people settle in wetlands.

“Please vacate wetlands peacefully,” he said before adding.

“I have been seeing people comment that where was NEMA when these people were putting up these buildings? Why didn’t they stop them? But why should it be NEMA stopping these people?”

“These people went into the swamps knowingly with the collusion of local leaders. I want NEMA to explain why they haven’t held Parish Chiefs, Gombolola Chiefs, and GISOs accountable. What are they doing?”