On 26th June 2024, over 200 homes were destroyed by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) in a large-scale crackdown on what officials described as wetland encroachment.
The operation, which targeted the Lubiji and Namugona wetlands, left widespread devastation and displaced numerous families who had lived in these areas for decades. Residents who once called the wetlands home were left grappling with the aftermath.
“The government has destroyed our houses; we didn’t know where to go,” lamented one resident, expressing the pain and confusion felt by many.
Many residents said they had lost everything they had worked for. Their voices of anguish echoed throughout the area as bulldozers cleared homes and structures with little warning.
The destruction raised critical concerns about the balance between environmental conservation and the rights of local communities. For generations, many families had lived along the fringes of the wetlands, relying on them for food, water, and economic activities. The government’s decision to enforce eviction without compensation or relocation support ignited public outrage.
President Museveni’s Stance on Environmental Protection
In response to the public outcry, President Yoweri Museveni issued a statement reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental protection.
“We could not continue accepting this ignorance of destroying our environment without taking action,” he stated.
Many interpreted his comments as justification for NEMA’s aggressive approach, deepening the rift between authorities and affected communities.
“While we understood the necessity of protecting our wetlands, the approach taken by NEMA was heavy-handed and insensitive,” said a local activist who supported families after the demolitions.
As families came to terms with their loss, community members shared their perspectives on what they considered a disaster to their well-being.
“These swamps were not just land; they were our home,” said another resident.
“We had lived here for generations. Our ancestors were buried here. This was where our lives were built.”
Residents said no alternative housing options or compensation plans were offered. Many questioned the timing and humanity of the operation, which occurred without what they felt was sufficient notice or engagement.
Decades in the Wetlands
According to activists and residents, many families had spent decades in the swamp areas, developing ways to coexist with the natural environment. They argued that their presence in these wetlands predated current government policies.
“We were not the ones destroying the environment; we were stewards of this land,” said a community leader.
The events reignited debate on land rights, environmental justice, and the need for inclusive policies that consider the lived realities of local populations.
In the days following the demolition, residents began organising themselves to seek justice and push back. Many turned to local leaders, lawyers, and civil society organisations to explore legal options and force dialogue with the government.
“We would not be silenced. We would fight for our homes and our way of life,” said one activist during a community meeting.
The Lubiji and Namugona evictions served as a stark reminder of the challenges in reconciling environmental conservation with social justice. Affected families called for a more humane approach to enforcement—one that protected both the environment and people.
Community leaders announced plans to meet with local government officials in the weeks following the demolition. They aimed to present grievances and advocate for practical solutions for displaced families.
As the situation continued to unfold, the voices of those affected remained central in demanding accountability and a future where communities and nature could coexist.
The mass demolition of homes in Lubiji and Namugona on 26th June 2024 left thousands without shelter and sparked a national conversation about the balance between environmental protection and the rights of ordinary citizens. As families struggled to recover, their resilience and determination shaped the response and the road ahead.
Listen to the Podcast
Next in the series:
In our next story, we trace what happened after the bulldozers left—following the children, women, and elderly now sheltering in makeshift camps and asking: What comes after the eviction?
Watch out for Part 2 of this special wetlands series—coming Wednesday next week.
