Environmental Injustice in Uganda: NEMA's Selective Evictions Target Vulnerable Communities according to VIDEA and CICOA
By John Kusolo
Kampala, Uganda – The recent eviction of vulnerable co
mmunities from the Lubigi swamp by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society organizations and human rights advocates. On June 11, 2024, NEMA's Environmental Protection Force, alongside local enforcement agencies, conducted a large-scale eviction operation in the Lubigi swamp, displacing hundreds of families. Despite NEMA's mandate to protect wetlands and ensure environmental sustainability, the selective enforcement of the law has raised serious concerns about fairness and justice.
The eviction operation has left many families, who had lived in the area for years, homeless and without basic necessities. This action has not only exacerbated their vulnerability but also highlighted the glaring inequities in NEMA's enforcement practices. Investigations by Citizens' Concern Africa (CICOA) and Vijana for Sustainable Development and Environmental Action (VIDEA) reveal a troubling pattern: while impoverished settlers' homes were demolished, large businesses and residences of influential individuals in wetlands across Kampala and the rest of the country remain untouched. NEMA has cited valid clearance certificates for some of these exemptions, but the selective application of the law undermines the rule of law and raises questions about the integrity and fairness of NEMA’s operations.
The Voices of Condemnation
Andrew Mafundo, the Executive Director at CICOA, expressed his outrage, stating, "Environmental protection should not be a weapon wielded against the poor while the affluent and powerful continue to degrade our natural resources without consequence. We call on NEMA to apply the law equitably and ensure that all individuals and entities, regardless of their socioeconomic status, are held accountable for encroachments."
Rosette Nandutu, the Executive Director at VIDEA, echoed similar sentiments: "This eviction exercise has left many without shelter, exposing them to further hardships. It is unacceptable that vulnerable communities bear the brunt of environmental enforcement while powerful entities are allowed to flout the law. NEMA must act with integrity and transparency in all its operations."
Demands for Immediate Action
In response to the unjust evictions, CICOA and VIDEA are calling for immediate corrective measures from NEMA and the Government of Uganda. They demand the following actions:
Halt to Selective Evictions: NEMA must immediately stop all evictions in the Lubigi wetland and advocate for inclusive discussions involving NEMA, local leaders, and affected communities. This dialogue should aim to find sustainable and inclusive solutions that respect both environmental priorities and human needs.
Equitable Enforcement: NEMA must ensure that all encroachments, regardless of the perpetrator's status, are addressed with the same rigor and fairness. Only through such equitable enforcement can trust in NEMA’s commitment to environmental protection and justice be restored.
Stakeholder Engagement: Affected communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders must be included in decision-making processes regarding environmental conservation efforts. This inclusive approach is essential for achieving genuine and lasting environmental justice.
Standing in Solidarity
CICOA and VIDEA stand in solidarity with the displaced families and call upon all relevant authorities to take immediate corrective measures to address this injustice. Both organizations remain committed to advocating for environmental justice and the rights of vulnerable populations.
About CICOA
Citizens’ Concern Africa (CICOA) is a Ugandan non-governmental organization founded in 2012 with a mission to safeguard the planet, empower communities, and uphold human rights. CICOA believes that solutions to environmental degradation and social injustices come from the most impacted people. They work directly with communities, empowering them to protect their human rights and the earth. CICOA envisions a world where human rights are respected, upheld, and protected.
About VIDEA
Vijana for Sustainable Development and Environmental Action (VIDEA) is a non-profit organization based in Uganda, established in February 2020 and officially accredited by the Uganda NGO Board in October 2021. VIDEA is dedicated to empowering young people and women across the country to advocate for human rights, equality, environmental protection, and social justice. VIDEA’s grassroots approach through community engagement, education, and empowerment programs ensures that their efforts are rooted in the needs and realities of the communities they serve. Their goal is to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world for all.
The actions of NEMA in the Lubigi swamp have highlighted a critical issue of selective enforcement in environmental protection. While the need to protect wetlands and ensure environmental sustainability is undeniable, it is equally important that such measures are applied fairly and justly. The calls from CICOA and VIDEA for equitable enforcement and stakeholder engagement are crucial steps towards achieving environmental justice and protecting the rights of vulnerable communities in Uganda. It is imperative that NEMA and the Government of Uganda take immediate action to address these concerns and restore trust in their commitment to environmental protection and social justice.
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