The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has taken decisive action to halt the ongoing degradation of the Nakiyanja wetland, aiming to safeguard this vital ecosystem.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NEMA revealed that the developer had unlawfully encroached upon the wetland, misleading inspectors with a certificate of approval (No. NEMA/EIA/15422) for the development of mixed residential and commercial structures on a separate piece of dry land.
Following this discovery, a collaborative effort involving a joint technical team from the Ministry of Water and Environment, NEMA, and the Environment Protection Police Unit effectively stopped further development in this critical wetland, which feeds into River Sezibwa, serving the greater Kayunga and Mukono districts.
Environmental experts link the degradation of wetlands to increased floods, loss of biodiversity, and habitat destruction for various species, stemming from human activities.
NEMA emphasized that investigations are underway, which may lead to a restoration order, prosecution, or payment of administrative fines. They reiterated their commitment to addressing environmental violations across the country.
Additionally, NEMA urged citizens to remain vigilant in preserving a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, highlighting the indefinite suspension of approvals and permits for activities in wetlands since September 2021.
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