Water and Walls: Uganda’s Wetland Woes

Following the mass demolitions carried out by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) on 26th June 2024, the Lubigi wetlands have become ground zero for a growing crisis. Thousands of residents were left homeless as their houses were torn down in an operation aimed at reclaiming encroached wetlands. But as families struggled to recover, a deeper conversation emerged: how can Uganda balance environmental protection with the rights of communities who have lived on this land for generations?

This second report in our wetlands eviction series explores the human toll of the demolitions and the urgent need for more inclusive environmental governance.

The Lubigi wetlands, situated just outside Kampala, have long played a crucial ecological role. They support a rich array of biodiversity, help filter pollutants from stormwater, and offer flood control to surrounding urban areas.

At the same time, the wetlands have historically sustained local communities—providing access to fish, water, clay, and fertile ground for subsistence farming. However, rapid urbanization, population growth, and informal settlement expansion put increasing pressure on the ecosystem.

In recent years, the government intensified its wetland conservation agenda. While environmental experts praised the intent, the implementation of these policies—culminating in the June demolitions—drew sharp criticism for failing to protect the rights of those directly affected.

In the wake of the demolitions, scenes of devastation unfolded. Families returned to find rubble where homes once stood. Thousands, including children and the elderly, were forced to sleep outdoors or squeeze into the homes of relatives.

A Resident of Lubigi sitting near the rubble of her house.

“We lost everything—our homes, our utensils, even our school books,” said Jane Nansubuga, a mother of four now staying under a tarpaulin at the edge of the wetland.

Access to food, clean water, and medical services became a daily struggle. Although some local NGOs and humanitarian groups stepped in, the response was under-resourced. Many residents were left to fend for themselves, trying to rebuild on land now declared off-limits.

Resilience Amid Crisis

Despite the hardship, a sense of community solidarity emerged. Neighbours shared meals, built makeshift shelters, and formed committees to track relief aid.

Local leaders and activists began raising the alarm on radio talk shows and in petitions, arguing that conservation should not come at the cost of human dignity.

“We are not opposed to protecting the wetlands,” said Moses Mugerwa, a community elder.
“But our lives matter too. We deserve to be consulted, not bulldozed.”

Their calls have begun to gain attention nationally, reframing the eviction not just as an environmental issue—but as a human rights concern.

The demolitions in Lubigi have sparked debate across the country about whether Uganda’s environmental enforcement model needs reform. At a recent community meeting, displaced families urged the government to recognise traditional knowledge and the contributions they have made in sustainably managing the land.

They demanded a shift from punitive action to participatory conservation, with calls for joint planning, local inclusion, and transparency.

“If they want us to protect wetlands, involve us in the solution. Don’t treat us like criminals,” one youth leader said during the gathering.

The Path Forward

As the dust began to settle, several civil society groups joined local leaders to propose solutions that could serve both nature and the displaced. These included:

Community Engagement: Prioritising local involvement in decision-making processes about wetland boundaries, land use, and alternative settlements.
Alternative Livelihoods: Creating income-generating opportunities that do not depend on wetland degradation, such as urban gardening or green jobs.
Education and Awareness: Launching school and community programmes on sustainable wetland use and climate change adaptation.
Support for Displaced Families: Providing urgent shelter, psychosocial support, healthcare, and legal aid for those affected.

The tragedy in Lubigi highlighted a national dilemma: the need to protect fragile ecosystems while honouring the rights of vulnerable communities. If handled with sensitivity and inclusion, this crisis could mark the beginning of a more people-centred conservation strategy.