Lord Mayor Balimwezo Demands Joint Approval Over NEMA Operations

Kampala Lord Mayor Engineer Ronald Balimwezo has revealed that the Kampala Capital City Authority Council (KCCA) has formally written to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) seeking a one month suspension of the ongoing demolition exercise targeting wetland areas.

Speaking at City Hall, Balimwezo said the request is meant to allow the KCCA Council to first review and approve the exercise with clear regulations and proper coordination between institutions.

He explained that KCCA’s request to NEMA included the formation of a special committee comprising the 10 Members of Parliament representing Kampala’s five divisions, RCCs, division leaders and other stakeholders to jointly deliberate on how the demolitions should be carried out.

Balimwezo said it is based on this request that NEMA agreed to temporarily suspend operations, including a planned return to Kawaala for another phase of demolitions, as well as activities in other affected areas.

The development comes after NEMA recently resumed large-scale demolitions in Lubigi wetland areas, including Kawala in Rubaga Division and Buggu Village in Busabala, Wakiso District, leaving several residents counting losses.

Affected locals have accused authorities of abrupt evictions and poor communication, claiming many were not adequately informed before their houses and properties were destroyed. Some residents have now threatened legal action.

The Uganda Law Society also reportedly visited parts of Busabala last week, with indications that it is preparing a legal challenge arguing that demolitions should not proceed without court orders.

Balimwezo, flanked by NUP-affiliated KCCA councillors, insisted that NEMA risks operating outside proper legal and administrative guidance if it continues demolitions without full coordination with the city authority.

He added that KCCA and council structures should be involved in guiding wetland management decisions, including possible degazettement of already heavily populated areas.

The Lord Mayor mentioned Bwaise II and III in Kawempe Division as an example of areas that he says are already fully occupied with housing and may require formal reconsideration rather than eviction.

Balimwezo further argues that Kampala is grappling with a housing deficit estimated at 350,000 households, adding that the national housing gap stands at about 2.4 million units, made worse by rapid rural-urban migration and the growing refugee population in the city.

He notes that Kampala, which he described as heavily congested and land-stressed, requires structured planning rather than sudden demolitions. Balimwezo maintained that planned urban development, rather than abrupt demolitions, is necessary to address land use challenges in the city.

He states that similar practices have been done in Kinawattaka, Kira Municipality and Bugolobi in Nakawa Division where the wetlands there could not be recovered.

Balimwezo also claimed that NEMA has indicated willingness to consider KCCA’s request for dialogue and coordination before continuing the exercise.

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