Kajjansi Wetland Under Protection as NEMA Halts Illegal Construction

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in collaboration with the Department of Wetlands Management under the Ministry of Water and Environment and relevant local governments, has intensified operations aimed at protecting wetlands across Uganda, with Kajjansi Wetland becoming the latest focus of enforcement efforts.

According to a statement issued on Monday, June 1, 2026, authorities conducted a joint inspection and enforcement operation in Kajjansi Wetland on Sunday, May 31, 2026, targeting illegal developments and activities contributing to wetland degradation.

The operation brought together teams from NEMA’s Environmental Protection Force, the Environmental Protection Police Unit, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). During the exercise, officials halted several illegal construction activities within the wetland area and arrested a number of suspected encroachers.

Authorities confirmed that a criminal case file has since been opened under SD REF 04/31/05/2026 as investigations into the illegal activities continue.

NEMA noted that the latest operation forms part of a broader national campaign to restore and safeguard wetlands that have increasingly come under pressure from human encroachment, illegal construction, industrial activities, and unregulated settlements.

“The Authority is taking steps to halt further degradation in the area and will issue Environment Restoration Orders in accordance with provisions of the National Environment Act, Cap 181,” the statement read.

Officials emphasized that wetlands are protected ecosystems under Ugandan law and warned that individuals or entities illegally occupying or developing wetland areas risk facing enforcement action, prosecution, and restoration directives.

NEMA also commended members of the public for remaining vigilant and reporting cases of wetland encroachment to authorities, saying public cooperation has played a significant role in identifying environmentally sensitive areas under threat.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all Ugandans enjoy their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

“All people who have encroached on wetlands across Uganda are reminded to heed our call to peacefully vacate the wetlands before the operations reach them. Enforcement operations will continue until all encroached wetlands have been liberated,” the statement added.

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that continued destruction of wetlands poses serious ecological and socio-economic risks to the country. Wetlands play a critical role in flood control, water purification, climate regulation, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity conservation.

In urban areas such as Kampala and Wakiso, wetlands have also served as natural drainage systems that help mitigate flooding during heavy rains. However, rapid urbanization and increasing demand for land have led to widespread encroachment on many of these fragile ecosystems.

Kajjansi Wetland, located along the busy Kampala-Entebbe corridor, has in recent years experienced mounting pressure from commercial developments, residential structures, and industrial expansion.

Government agencies have now vowed to strengthen monitoring, enforcement, and restoration efforts in a bid to reverse environmental degradation and preserve wetlands for future generations.

The renewed crackdown signals government’s growing resolve to enforce environmental laws and promote sustainable development practices across the country.