- Feb 16, 2026
- 10
- 2
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has demolished apartment structures in Lumpewo Wetland in Wakiso District as part of an operation to restore the degraded ecosystem and halt illegal developments.
The authority said the operation, conducted on Friday, October 16, targeted an encroached section of the wetland in Kitiko Birongo Cell, Makindye-Ssabagabo.
Photographs from the scene show an excavator pulling down sections of an unfinished, multistorey building, with concrete rubble and construction materials scattered around the site.
According to NEMA, the restoration followed an inspection by its executive director on June 1, 2026, after which restoration orders were issued to people who had built apartments in the wetland.“The restoration follows an inspection that was conducted by ED on June 1, 2026, in which restoration orders were issued to people who had built apartments in the wetland,” the authority said.
The statement did not identify the developers or specify how many buildings were affected.NEMA urged developers and landowners to respect wetland boundaries and avoid activities that undermine their ecological functions.
“NEMA urges all developers, landowners and members of the public to respect the boundaries and ecological functions of wetlands and to refrain from undertaking activities that degrade these vital ecosystems,” it said.
The authority also thanked members of the public for reporting encroachment, saying community vigilance was essential to identifying environmental violations and holding those responsible accountable.
NEMA warned that wetland encroachment attracts, upon conviction, a fine of up to Shs600 million, imprisonment for up to 12 years, or both.
Wetlands help control flooding, filter water and support biodiversity. Construction within them can obstruct drainage and reduce their capacity to absorb stormwater, increasing pressure on surrounding communities.
Source: Chimp Reports
