Kampala , Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to individuals and communities encroaching on Uganda’s wetlands, ordering them to leave peacefully or face eviction.
In his state of the nation address yesterday, Museveni emphasized that the government will not compensate those who have illegally settled on wetlands, stressing that it is everyone’s duty to defend Uganda’s survival.
The President blamed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for allowing people to settle in wetlands, but emphasized that this does not excuse the encroachers. “Who does not know what a wetland is?” he asked, adding that Ugandans and Europeans alike should be aware of the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
Museveni described wetland encroachment as an existential threat to Uganda’s future, citing environmental degradation and destruction of biodiversity. He urged those living in wetlands to vacate the areas peacefully, promising amnesty but no compensation for their illegal activities. “Uganda cannot be destroyed and we simply watch. Hence, please, all the people in the wetlands, leave peacefully.”You have done enough damage. We are not prosecuting you. It is an amnesty, simply leave. We cannot compensate you for breaking the law.” Said president Museveni
The President’s statement has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his commitment to environmental protection and others expressing concern about the potential displacement of communities. As the government prepares to enforce the evictions, tensions remain high over the fate of those living in Uganda’s wetlands.
