Kampala Wetlands Are No More - What is the Way Forward?

Byline: Chris Kiwawulo

IT is a sad story, but true - Kampala city has almost lost all its wetlands to the construction sector. Encroachers invade the wetlands and before the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) gets to know of it, they have already put up structures.

Some of the encroachers dodge NEMA by building on weekends and at night, while others hire private security guards to oversee the wetland destruction, this reporter established.

Crest Foam mattress factory was for instance in August found to be reclaiming a swamp near Ntinda stretcher at night under the watchful eye of a private security guard. NEMA had earlier stopped the industry owners from reclaiming the wetland in January.

NEMA officials have on several occasions accused …