A group of young people involved in brickmaking and clay digging in Kajjansi and Katabi Town Council has appealed to the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, to intervene over what they describe as harassment and assault by people they identify as environmental officials.
The youths, led by Joseph Kazibwe, allege that some officials have repeatedly disrupted their work, confiscated their equipment and, in some cases, demanded money from residents and developers carrying out construction activities in areas considered environmentally sensitive.
The allegations were contained in a complaint addressed to Minister Barugahara.
The youths specifically named an environmental officer they identified as Nicholas Mugabi, whom they accuse of demanding money from residents and developers in exchange for allowing construction activities to continue.
They also allege that construction materials and other property belonging to some residents were confiscated when the owners failed to meet the alleged demands.
Kazibwe said some people involved in brickmaking have been subjected to physical harassment during operations.
“A few months ago, I was beaten and harassed because I am poor and cannot afford to bribe him whenever he appears on the ground,” Kazibwe said.
Another complainant, Emmanuel Mugerwa, alleges that he was attacked and sustained serious injuries to his left leg below the knee during an incident involving Mugabi and a group of unidentified security operatives.
Mugerwa said the people involved in the operation also confiscated equipment used by brickmakers, including wheelbarrows, spades and hoes.
“Whenever he appears, he confiscates our equipment like wheelbarrows, spades and hoes and makes sure he puts them in his own store. You have to go and pay before they are returned,” Mugerwa alleged.
Mugerwa said the affected residents attempted to report the matter to Kajjansi Police Station but claimed that their complaints were not adequately handled.
The allegations come amid investigations into reported environmental degradation in Kajjansi and Kasenyi in Katabi Town Council.
A report from the Chief Administrative Officer of Wakiso dated September 16, 2026, confirms that several district and town council officials were summoned to assist the Criminal Investigations Directorate in the investigations.
The investigation concerns allegations of environmental degradation in Kajjansi and Kasenyi, including developments allegedly carried out without clearance from the National Environment Management Authority, NEMA.
The youths, however, say the enforcement operations have affected people who depend on brickmaking and clay digging for their livelihoods.
They want the government to investigate the conduct of the officials they have accused and establish whether property was lawfully confiscated and whether any money was demanded from residents.
Following the complaints, Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire advised the complainants to report the alleged assaults and other criminal complaints to the appropriate regional police authorities for investigation.
Owoyesigyire said this would allow the police to establish what happened and take appropriate action where evidence of wrongdoing is found.
NEMA deputy spokesperson William Lubuulwa, however, denied that the authority has officials working on its behalf in Katabi and Kajjansi town councils.
Lubuulwa also advised residents to avoid conducting businesses and construction activities in wetlands, saying such activities can result in environmental degradation.
