UGANDA, Wakiso | Real Muloodi News | More than 1,000 people have been rendered homeless following the National Environment Management Authority’s (NEMA) enforcement action against alleged encroachers on the Lubigi wetland in Wakiso District.
In Nansana West II, where numerous homes were demolished, the affected residents voiced their distress. John Serugo, a hawker, shared his losses after his home, which he built 20 years ago, was demolished.
“I saved that money through the pain of fasting to be able to get my own home because I was tired of renting, but now I am back to zero,” Serugo stated. He mentioned that he had purchased his plot from a long-time resident.
“The old man who sold me the land has passed away, but his children are alive and can confirm the sale. The Buganda Land Board has been collecting ground rent from us, with no indication that eviction was forthcoming,” Serugo added.
Hadijah Najjemba, 95, another affected resident, settled in the area with her late husband, Yusuf Ssentamu, in 1941. Najjemba has been living with her grandchildren, renting out her compound to support her family.
Due to her health condition, her son narrated her story, expressing concern about her future housing.
“We were born here, grew up, and married in this place. Our children have also married here. The wetland only became clogged due to soil deposits from government developments such as the Northern Bypass,” Najjemba’s son explained.
He also mentioned that NEMA issued eviction notices to some residents a month ago, but they were not allowed to present their land acquisition documentation.
“The date on the documents showed they were printed in 2021, but they were issued just recently in 2024. What were they waiting for?” he questioned.
John Kateregga, another evictee, urged NEMA to compensate the affected homeowners. He is now considering returning to his village.
Hakim Mugenyi, a mechanic, expressed concern after losing his workplace due to the evictions.
He highlighted the impact on his family’s livelihood, stating, “This was my only source of income, and being evicted is a big blow to the family I am taking care of.”
NEMA’s enforcement action is part of a broader effort to reclaim the Lubigi wetland, which has been subject to encroachment.
However, the abrupt evictions have left many residents in a state of uncertainty and distress, seeking answers and support from the authorities.
The residents have appealed to the government for intervention and assistance in addressing their grievances and providing alternative housing solutions.
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