Ntungamo Wetland Encroachers in Kakingora Face Imminent Forced Eviction

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has ordered 33 individuals occupying the Kakingora wetland in Ntungamo Municipality to leave immediately. This follows widespread degradation sparked by public concerns and a push for restoration across the region.

Kakingora wetland spans several sub-counties including Rweikiniro, Nyarutuntu, Ntungamo, and Itojo, linking to the Nyaruteme wetland that feeds River Rwizi. Encroachers have dumped soil and marram for construction, dug drainage trenches for farming, planted eucalyptus trees, and engaged in brick-making, severely harming the ecosystem.

Ntungamo Municipality Environment Officer Felix Turyajunwa explained their limited resources and resistance from influential encroachers, including past threats during restoration attempts. Despite profiling all 32 identified encroachers—28 of whom received orders—no one has complied with deadlines.

Turyajunwa warned that continued encroachment risks submerging parts of the town and disrupting borehole water supplies, as the 200-hectare wetland is vital for livelihoods and food security. The municipality has turned to NEMA for support due to budget constraints.

Municipality Mayor Jacob Kafureka noted challenges in regulating due to unclear boundaries, ironically admitting the council’s role in degradation by building a road through the wetland in 2019 and recently allocating plots there.

NEMA’s southwestern region wetland restoration officer, Sarah Aijuka, confirmed forceful evictions are forthcoming for non-compliance. “This aligns with the president’s directive to restore all traditional wetlands,” she stated.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)