The enforcement of President Yoweri Museveni’s directive on wetland eviction has sparked controversy among local leaders in Kabale district, Uganda.
President Museveni has consistently advocated for the eviction of individuals cultivating in wetland areas as part of environmental restoration efforts. His directive, issued in late 2023, mandated the forceful removal of those still engaged in wetland cultivation.
In January 2024, Kabale district authorities initiated the implementation of the directive by destroying crops grown in wetlands and prohibiting further cultivation in these areas, prompting mixed reactions from local leaders.
Nelson Nshangabasheija, Kabale district LC5 Chairman, and Ronald Bagamuhunda, district youth councilor, emerged as vocal opponents of the implementation exercise. They embarked on a campaign across the district and utilized radio talk shows to condemn the eviction efforts.
Nshangabasheija and Bagamuhunda urged locals to resist the directives, citing potential economic and food security repercussions. They demanded compensation of 200 million Shillings each from President Museveni to facilitate the relocation of affected individuals to non-affected areas.
However, their resistance campaign faced criticism from Ronald Bakak, Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, who accused them of undermining a presidential directive that he deemed non-negotiable.
Bakak questioned their stance on environmental restoration and advised them to utilize proper channels, such as writing to the president through presidential advisors, to address concerns regarding the directive’s impact.
Flavia Nyinakiiza Kanagyizi, Kabale District Speaker, also condemned Nshangabasheija and his allies’ opposition, emphasizing that they cannot defy the head of state. Kanagyizi refused to support their actions, asserting that they were acting outside the bounds of the law.
