Encroachers refuse to vacate Namiiro wetland

Entebbe, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  A section of residents has vowed not to vacate Namiiro wetland along the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe Municipality. The wetland covers 1,000 hectares stretching from Kiwafu, Kiwafu West and Lugogo-Nakiwogo villages in Entebbe Municipality Division B.  

In April President Museveni ordered individuals who have settled or working in protected zones such as lakes, wetlands, forest reserves across the country should be evicted. 

The President said that the country is already feeling the effects of encroachment on its natural resources in form of lakes and rivers bursting banks and flooding.

Last week, the National Environment Management Authority-NEMA issued a 21- day ultimatum to 5,000 people who have encroached on Namiiro wetland to vacate or face forceful eviction starting next month.    

The people started encroaching on the wetland in 2006. They have erected semi-permanent structures which include houses, shops, schools and a Church. 

Last week, Nicholas Magara, the coordinator of wetlands (central region) at the Ministry of Water and Environment, told the media that all the affected individuals have been served as an environmental restoration order.      

However, the residents have vowed not to vacate the wetland. They argue that they have lived in Lugonjo-Nakiwogo village for more ten years.

Businessman Bwambale Businge says that he bought his plot of land from a resident who had lived on the same plot since 1962.    

Other residents agreed with Bwambale, saying they will not vacate since they nowhere to take their families. 

Stanley Kapeere Namiyirira, the Entebbe Municipality Division B chairperson says the government needs to consider resettling the affected people. 

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