UPDF Officer on the Spot Over Constructing House in a Wetland in Kitagwenda

A UPDF officer, Lt. Col. Harold Twinomujuni Akiniagi, is under the spotlight for allegedly encroaching on the Rwentuha Wetland, located along the Kitagwenda–Kamwenge road in Kitagwenda Town Council, Kitagwenda District.

The accusations come from district environmental authorities who claim that the officer has defied multiple warnings and notices regarding his illegal construction activities in the protected wetland area.

According to Moses Turyamureba Bujara, the Kitagwenda District Natural Resources Officer (DNRO), the illegal activities were first discovered in March 2024 during a routine environmental compliance monitoring exercise.

“We found Lt. Col. Akiniagi constructing permanent structures in the wetland and also encroaching on the road reserve,” said Byaruhanga.

“We immediately issued him with an environmental improvement notice and guided him on how to develop his land without violating environmental regulations. We even advised him to seek approval from the Executive Director of NEMA. Unfortunately, he chose not to comply.”

Turyamureba noted that district authorities later attempted to summon the officer for further engagement, but their efforts were largely ignored.

“In January this year, we arrested four of his workers who were found building a permanent structure on the wetland,” he said.

“Though they were later released on bond, construction has since resumed,this time under the protection of his armed bodyguards. He is now roofing the structures. This is impunity of the highest order.”

Anthony Kalyegira, the Kitagwenda Senior Environment Officer, echoed these concerns, expressing deep frustration over the officer’s actions.

“When high-ranking officials act with such disregard for the law, it undermines our entire conservation effort,” Kalyegira stated.

“People in the community follow their lead. If they see army officers flouting wetland protection laws, they too will disregard them.”

Attempts by Nile Post to contact Lt. Col. Akiniagi for his side of the story were unsuccessful. Despite acknowledging that it was a journalist, he declined to comment.

Kitagwenda Assistant Resident Commissioner, Mr. Philip Nabaasa, confirmed that his office is aware of the issue.

“We have received several reports from the Natural Resources Department regarding this matter. We warned the officer, but he continues to ignore our directives,” said Nabaasa.

“This matter is now beyond the district level, and we are calling on other relevant authorities to intervene.”

The National Environment Act (NEA), which governs environmental conservation in Uganda, mandates that no permanent structures be erected within 200 meters of wetlands without special clearance from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Violating the NEA can lead to serious penalties including suspension of operations, revocation of permits, and possible prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.

Environmentalists and district leaders are now urging NEMA and the UPDF leadership to take swift and decisive action and bring the officer to book