“5 Environmental Activists Arrested in Kampala”, 10th Oct 2024

Central Police Station in Kampala is holding 5 environmental activists who have been apprehended for staging a protest against the destruction of Lweera wetland by alleged Chinese investors. Those who were intercepted by the Police around Kitgum House on Jinja Road traffic had organized a protest named “save Lwera wetland from destruction”. The suspects were part of the group subscribing to Weka-Afri Sustainable Biodiversity and Food Security Foundation that staged a protest. These while holding signs and chanting slogans, to express their discontent with NEMA’s inaction on preserving wetlands. The demonstration escalated into running battles with police, leading to the arrest of five protesters, who are currently detained at CPS. Raymond Bintukwanga, a protester, criticized NEMA for not fulfilling its constitutional mandate to protect the environment, citing the destruction of Lwera wetland by Chinese rice cultivators. “NEMA has selectively evicted local communities from Lwera while allowing Chinese companies to exploit these protected ecosystems. We demand for an immediate cancellation of the permits and licenses granted to Chinese firms engaged in rice farming in wetlands.”Bintukwanga said before being arrested. The Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango has identified the five suspects apprehended by the police as, Raymond Bintukwanga -24, automotive mechanic, Hannington Ahimbisibwe -25, shopkeeper, Nuluyart Nakyejwe – 23, a hairstylist, Phionah Nalusiba Phionah-40, banana vendor and Proscovia Nampijja -30, restaurateur. “We have arrested and charged with being a common nuisance. They are currently being held at Kampala Central Police Station and are expected to appear in court today. Investigations are ongoing.”Onyango.

But the Uganda National Environment Authority spokesperson, William Luburwa, disputed the protesters’ claims, stating that NEMA has been tirelessly restoring Lwera wetland and other Ugandan wetlands. “Ugandans have seen us evicting Lubigi wetland encroachers which wasn’t easy. We’ve now moved to Kaliddubi and Lwera. Recently, we arrested and charged some Chinese nationals in court,’ Luburwa said.” Luburwa, has acknowledged that peaceful protests are a constitutional right in Uganda, allowing citizens to express dissatisfaction. However, he emphasized that NEMA welcomes proposals from protesters and is willing to listen to their concerns. Statistics from the Environment Ministry indicate that Uganda loses 2.5% of its wetlands annually. Without intervention, it is projected that by 2040, only 1.6% of the wetlands will remain. The Uganda Wetlands Atlas highlights that wetland destruction costs the country approximately 2 billion Shillings annually