The Minister of Water and Environment, Kahinda Otafiire, has defended the ongoing eviction of illegal occupants from wetlands, urging the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to continue enforcing environmental protection laws despite criticism from affected communities.
Speaking during a meeting at the Ministry of Water and Environment on Thursday, Otafiire dismissed criticism directed at NEMA Executive Director Barirega Akankwasah over the demolition of structures and eviction of individuals found occupying protected wetland areas.
“Only reptiles have a natural license to live in wetlands,” Otafiire said, emphasizing that wetlands are protected ecosystems that should not be converted into residential or commercial settlements.
The minister’s remarks come amid an intensified government campaign to restore degraded wetlands across the country. In recent months, NEMA has overseen the demolition of buildings and other developments that authorities say were illegally established in gazetted wetland areas.
Otafiire praised Barirega and the environmental regulator for enforcing conservation laws, arguing that restoration efforts are necessary to protect water sources, control flooding, and preserve biodiversity.
He urged NEMA not to be intimidated by public criticism and political pressure from individuals affected by the enforcement operations.
Uganda has lost significant portions of its wetland cover over the past decades due to urban expansion, agriculture, industrial development, and human settlement.
Government data has previously shown that wetland degradation has contributed to increased flooding, declining water quality, and environmental damage in several parts of the country.
The restoration campaign has, however, generated controversy, particularly in urban areas where some property owners claim they obtained land titles or development permits before enforcement actions were undertaken.
Critics have called for compensation and clearer guidelines, while environmental authorities maintain that wetlands remain protected under Ugandan law regardless of ownership claims.
NEMA has repeatedly stated that the ongoing operations are intended to reverse years of encroachment and restore critical ecosystems that play a key role in water filtration, climate regulation, and flood control.
The latest endorsement from Otafiire is expected to strengthen the government’s position as authorities continue efforts to reclaim and restore wetlands across the country under the broader agenda of sustainable environmental management.
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