The National Environment Management Authority (National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)) has resumed the restoration of Kalidubbi Wetland in Buggu Village along the Entebbe Express Highway, as authorities intensify efforts to reclaim degraded ecosystems under renewed enforcement operations.
The joint operation, carried out together with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF)), the Environmental Protection Police Unit (EPPU), the Environmental Protection Force (EPF), and the Department of Wetlands under the Ministry of Water and Environment (Ministry of Water and Environment), marks a continuation of restoration works that were initially launched last year.
According to NEMA, the earlier phase of the exercise had been temporarily halted to allow encroachers time to voluntarily vacate the wetland.
However, officials say the grace period was not fully utilized, prompting authorities to proceed with enforcement measures to ensure compliance and protect the fragile ecosystem.
“The restoration exercise that began last year was paused to give encroachers time to vacate the wetland. Because they didn’t heed NEMA’s call, the authorities were left with no option but to apply enforcement,” the authority noted.
The renewed operation targets encroached sections of Kalidubbi Wetland, which has faced increasing pressure from human settlement, agriculture, and infrastructure expansion along the rapidly developing Entebbe corridor.
Officials confirmed that the restoration drive will extend in the coming days to other affected areas, including sections of Busabala, as part of a broader national wetland recovery programme aimed at restoring ecological balance, improving water quality, and reducing flood risks in surrounding communities.
Authorities emphasized that the enforcement actions are part of NEMA’s statutory mandate to safeguard Uganda’s wetlands, which are considered critical for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development.
“NEMA ensures wetland protection for the greater good of the environment and the future,” the agency added, underscoring its commitment to sustained environmental protection efforts despite resistance from encroachers.
The operation signals a renewed government push to tighten environmental compliance as urban expansion continues to place pressure on protected ecosystems in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
