We will not compensate Lubigi evictees- NEMA tells parliament

National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has rejected calls by Parliament to compensate victims of the recent eviction from Lubigi wetland.

On Tuesday, NEMA officials appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) chaired by Medard Sseggona to answer queries related to the violent eviction.

The MPs asked NEMA officials to explain the rationale behind what is perceived as selective application of the law during the eviction, delayed demolition and the number of people affected.

NEMA officials were also asked to compensate all those whose houses were demolished and other property destroyed during the violent eviction.

However, responding to the queries, NEMA Legal Affairs officer, Sarah Naigaga said all residents who established houses in the wetland are considered offenders and thus are not entitled to any compensation.

“The law deems all households issued with restoration orders as offenders,” Naigaga said.

“Restoration is an enforcement action intended to protect the environment for the common good, including those affected by the resolution. We have therefore not made any compensation to the persons affected.”

She said under the law, it is the offenders who are supposed to compensate government for the resources used during the demolition of their houses.

NEMA Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah said the evictions will extend to other parts of the city and country where there is encroachment on wetlands.