(Kampala) – A total of 27 suspects were remanded to Luzira and Kitalya prisons on Tuesday due to allegations of illegal settlements constructed in the Lubigi wetland area of Kampala. The accused include several women, some of whom were seen with children under three years old.
The accused individuals appeared in the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye, where they were charged and remanded until October 31, 2024. Notable among the accused are Prossy Namwima, Rose Namuddu, Cissy Namwanje, and Fred Mukulu, among others. All the defendants denied the charges against them.
State prosecutor Ram Kamala, representing the National Environment Authority (NEMA), informed the court that investigations into the matter have been completed and requested a date for the hearing. The courtroom was filled with relatives and political leaders concerned about the situation, with proceedings continuing past 7:00 PM.
The accused are residents of Nansana West 11 A zone in Nansana municipality and were apprehended last Friday by a NEMA enforcement team. They were reportedly among those evicted during NEMA’s efforts to restore wetlands that had been occupied by residential structures. The evictions took place in July, but the accused did not relocate.
The prosecution alleges that from July 2024 to the present, the accused erected temporary structures made of tents and tarpaulins in a section of the restored Lubigi wetland without the necessary authority. This action contravenes sections 55(1) (b) and (6) of the NEMA Act 181. Additionally, they were charged with failing to comply with orders, notices, and environmental assessments in violation of Section 164(a) of the NEMA Act.
During the proceedings, the magistrate informed the accused that they have the right to apply for bail, which will be granted in phases, starting with those who have children. Five mothers were released on non cash bail of 2 million shillings each after presenting sufficient sureties, who were bonded at 10 million shillings each. The remaining accused were remanded until the next court date.
