The National Environment Management Authority has given all wetland encroachers 30 days to leave voluntarily or face eviction.
The directive, issued on Monday, comes days after NEMA carried out forceful operations in the Lubigi wetland area. Several structures said to be inside the wetland were demolished during the exercise.
The new notice offers temporary relief to affected residents who had remained tense after the evictions.
According to NEMA, the grace period took effect on June 8, 2026. The authority said all people occupying, developing, or carrying out activities in encroached wetland areas must make arrangements to leave peacefully within 30 days.
“Effective June 8, 2026, all persons occupying, developing or carrying out activities in encroached wetland areas are required to make arrangements to leave voluntarily and peacefully within the thirty-day grace period,” the statement reads.
NEMA to mark wetland boundaries
During the grace period, NEMA said it will mark wetland boundaries, issue restoration orders, identify illegal structures, and conduct surveillance.
The authority said the surveillance will help prevent further encroachment during the notice period.
“Upon expiry of the grace period, enforcement actions shall proceed in accordance with the National Environment Act, Cap 181, and other applicable laws, without further notice,” NEMA warned.
The affected wetlands include areas in Lubigi, Namuwongo, Luzira, Bugolobi, Kansanga, Ggaba, Katogo, and Munyongo.
Lubigi evictions sparked public concern
Last week, NEMA carried out forceful eviction operations in Lubigi wetland. The exercise covered Kawaala in Kampala and Kaliddubi Wetland in Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
The operation triggered public criticism. Many affected residents claimed they had not received prior warnings before the demolitions.
NEMA said it had reached a consensus with Kampala Capital City leadership. The city leadership reportedly agreed to sensitise affected communities about the directive.
Kampala leaders call for lawful process
Mr Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, Kampala City Lord Mayor, said he had written to NEMA about the delayed formation of a District Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
He said the committee had been delayed for two years.
“I wrote to the Executive Director of NEMA, Barirega Akankwansah, to invite the members so that they can constitute a committee that will be in charge of managing wetlands and making recommendations,” he said.
Kampala Capital City Authority spokesperson Daniel Nuwabiine also said public sensitisation remains important.
Mr John Bosco Sserunkuuma, the Nansana Municipality mayor, appealed to NEMA to follow the law during eviction operations.
The 30-day notice now gives wetland occupants a limited period to leave voluntarily before NEMA resumes enforcement action.
