Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo has called for the establishment of an independent environmental restoration committee to coordinate with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) during wetland restoration operations.
Balimwezo made the remarks while responding to recent evictions carried out by NEMA in areas including Bwaise, Kawala and other parts of Kampala, where several residents lost homes and property during the exercise.
According to Balimwezo, the committee was supposed to be established in 2024 following a petition filed by former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago seeking to halt similar evictions.
He partly blamed the executive wing of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for delaying the formation of the committee, arguing that the absence of a coordinating body has led to uncoordinated enforcement operations.
“All these evictions are taking place in a manner that lacks proper coordination,” Balimwezo said.
He said the proposed committee should include the Resident City Commissioner, the Lord Mayor, district engineers, division mayors, community development officers, town clerks, physical planners, the KCCA executive director and Members of Parliament representing Kampala.
The KCCA political leadership also believes NEMA should first intensify public sensitisation on wetland conservation before carrying out evictions.
City leaders further urged NEMA to enforce the law fairly and consistently against all wetland encroachers.
“In the recent evictions, we have seen some people being removed while other buildings and factories located in wetlands have not been affected,” Balimwezo said.
He revealed that NEMA had temporarily suspended its operations for one month following a request from the KCCA political wing to allow residents still occupying wetlands time to vacate voluntarily.
However, city leaders are also demanding compensation for those who have already been affected by the evictions.
Meanwhile, Lubaga Division Mayor Mberaze Mawula said provisions of the Land Act provide protection for certain long-term occupants and argued that residents who have occupied land for extended periods should be considered for compensation.
Mawula said many affected residents have lived on the land for years and should not be left without support after being evicted.
City politicians have also urged NEMA to undertake comprehensive wetland mapping across Kampala to help the public clearly identify protected wetland areas.
They argue that proper mapping and public awareness would reduce conflicts and help residents avoid settling in environmentally sensitive areas.
