Evicted Elderly Woman Granted Bail as Campaigns to Rebuild Her Life Gain Momentum

The eviction of Rose Namuddu, a 72-year-old woman from the Lubigi wetland, has become a symbol of Uganda’s failures in social protection and environmental justice. Namuddu lost her home and possessions during the July 2024 demolitions carried out by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).She was photographed clutching her last belonging, a chicken, amidst the rubble. Her plight worsened when she was arrested in October for erecting a temporary shelter at the eviction site, with the court denying her bail on grounds of having no permanent residence.The evictions displaced thousands of families without compensation, while some wetlands across the country continue to be developed by influential individuals and corporations. Activists, led by Agather Atuhaire and Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, condemned this double standard, highlighting the injustice faced by vulnerable people like Namuddu. After weeks of advocacy, Namuddu was granted a non-cash bail on December 5, 2024, pending further hearings.Efforts to rebuild Namuddu's life are underway, with a piece of land secured by the National Unity Platform. However, construction on her house remains stalled due to financial constraints. Campaigners estimate a need for Shs5 million to complete the home and settle land payments.State Minister Balaam Barugahara acknowledged Namuddu’s suffering, pledging Shs1 million and calling for broader support. He criticized NEMA’s handling of the evictions, urging authorities to balance environmental conservation with humane treatment of vulnerable citizens.Namuddu’s story has ignited a national debate on justice, social protection, and environmental policy. Advocacy continues to ensure the remaining victims of the Lubigi evictions are released and their rights protected.