He used to Lie, brag about Connections with State House Till the law caught up with him – Locals Celebrate Arrest of Magan M. Patel Accused of Wetland Encroachment

Jinja – The arrest of a prominent Jinja-based investor by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has been met with relief and celebration among residents, who say the businessman had long intimidated local leaders while allegedly boasting of powerful connections that placed him above the law.

The investor Magan M. Patel, who was arrested over alleged illegal encroachment on the Bugembe wetland, is accused by community members of routinely threatening local council leaders and residents who questioned his activities.

Locals claim he often bragged about being connected to Uganda’s first family, a claim they say discouraged authorities at lower levels from taking action against him.

“For a long time, we feared speaking out,” said a community leader who requested anonymity. “Whenever we raised concerns about the wetland, he would tell us that nothing could happen to him because he was connected and untouchable.”

Residents allege that the investor’s soil dumping and wetland reclamation went on for years despite repeated complaints, with local leaders feeling powerless in the face of his alleged influence and financial muscle.

Several locals say the wetland degradation caused flooding, destroyed fish ponds, and disrupted livelihoods, while their appeals for intervention were ignored.

The arrest by NEMA has therefore been widely welcomed as a sign that the law can still apply equally, regardless of status or connections.

“This arrest has restored our hope,” said one resident of Bugembe. “It shows that even people who claim to be above the law can be held accountable.”

NEMA officials have reiterated that environmental laws apply to everyone and that no individual is exempt from compliance. The authority said the operation was part of a wider crackdown on wetland encroachment and warned that intimidation of leaders or communities would not shield offenders from prosecution.

As investigations continue and the suspect prepares to face court, local leaders say they are encouraged to speak up more boldly against environmental destruction. For many residents, the arrest is not just about protecting a wetland, but about reclaiming their voice after years of alleged intimidation and fear.