Seasonal flooding in the neighborhoods of Nateete, Kalerwe, and Bwaise has worsened in recent months, with residents blaming unchecked human encroachment on wetlands for the rising water levels. Frustrated locals are calling on the Uganda National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to take proactive measures rather than responding only when disaster strikes.
With each downpour, streets in these areas turn into murky waterways, forcing residents to wade through waist-deep water just to reach their homes and businesses. The persistent flooding disrupts daily life, damages infrastructure, and poses serious health risks, yet authorities have offered little in the way of long-term solutions.
“I can’t even reach the marketplace without wading through water,” lamented Peter Kanyere, a trader in Kalerwe. “The government needs to do something; we can’t keep living like this.”
Encroachment on Wetlands to Blame
Decades of urban expansion and illegal settlements have steadily reduced the size of Kampala’s wetlands, which naturally absorb and regulate rainwater. Once-thriving catchment areas such as Lubigi Swamp have been reclaimed for construction, worsening flood risks for low-lying communities.
Studies show that much of the affected land was originally designated for environmental conservation but has since been converted into residential and commercial developments. While NEMA has acknowledged the environmental damage, residents argue that its response has been reactive at best.
As the floods persist, locals are urging both NEMA and government officials to implement long-term measures that prioritize environmental conservation over short-term urbanization gains. They demand better urban planning, enforcement of wetland protection laws, and improved drainage infrastructure.
“Every time it rains, we struggle. We need more than just temporary fixes or responses after disasters,” said Amira Nakagawa, an environmental activist and Bwaise resident. “This is our home, and we want to restore and protect what’s left of our wetlands.”
Residents stress that solving the flooding crisis requires active community involvement and awareness campaigns on the importance of wetlands. Many believe that educating the public about responsible environmental practices will foster a collective effort to protect the remaining wetlands.
Meanwhile, the government’s response remains inconsistent. While NEMA has intervened in the past, critics argue that these efforts are often short-lived and fail to tackle the root causes of the crisis. Without a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy that includes local voices, lasting change remains elusive.
As the rainy season continues, the flooding problem in Nateete, Kalerwe, and Bwaise is expected to worsen. Without urgent intervention from authorities and a shift toward sustainable urban planning, these communities face an uncertain future—one where roads and homes may permanently resemble submerged fishing grounds.
For residents, the time for discussion has passed. They demand immediate and effective action to protect their homes and livelihoods. Whether their voices will be heard remains to be seen.
