By Eddie Ssejjoba
and Gerald Tenywa

WETLAND encroachers and settlers in Nakaiba wetlands in Masaka municipality have two weeks to leave or face eviction.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) executive director, Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, said Nakaiba wetlands were gravely degraded by human settlement encouraged by the municipal authorities.

He said this during the National Wetlands Day celebrations at Nabugabo Sand Beach in Masaka.
Nyendo-Ssenyange division chairman Matovu Kabulassoke said the residents were aware of the imminent eviction.

“We got some communication to that effect but the authorities had told residents that a few people would be affected. We are in suspense as to who would be affected,” he said.

The district environment officer, Rose Nakyejwe, said the affected areas include Nakaiba, Nsereko and Binyonyi zones.

“We are rising against all the illegal activities in this area that affect the environment,” Nakyejwe said.
Mugisha said waste management in the municipality was a serious threat to the wetlands.

He said lakeshores and riverbanks were some of the ecologically sensitive areas that should be protected.

The LC5 chairman, Vincent Ssempijja, said the district would work with NEMA to conserve the environment.

“We want to assure you that we are allies in this struggle,” Ssempijja said.