Uganda's Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has visited families displaced from the Lubigi wetland following a recent demolition exercise by environmental authorities, delivering relief food and assuring affected residents that the government will assess their concerns. She also reiterated the government's position that no one should return to settle in the protected wetland.

Hundreds of families in Lubigi continue to grapple with the aftermath of a demolition exercise that left many homeless after structures built in the wetland were brought down by environmental authorities.

Last week, more than 800 houses were demolished in the Lubigi wetland along the Northern Bypass, with the National Environment Management Authority citing illegal encroachment on a protected wetland ecosystem.

Authorities maintain that affected residents had previously been notified to vacate the area. Reports indicate that eviction notices were issued as early as 2024, but many occupants remained in the wetland despite the warnings.

In response to the humanitarian situation, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja today visited the affected families and delivered relief food to support those displaced by the operation.

Addressing residents, the Prime Minister said she had been sent by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to assess the situation and extend government support to those affected.

She expressed sympathy for the families, many of whom are now struggling to find shelter, but emphasised that the protection of wetlands remains a national priority.

The Prime Minister cautioned residents against returning to the wetland, warning that any attempts to re-establish settlements in the protected area would be contrary to government directives and environmental laws.

During the visit, Nabbanja also reviewed documents presented by some of the affected residents and said the information would be forwarded to her office for further assessment as the government considers possible interventions.

The government says while it remains committed to supporting vulnerable families affected by the eviction, environmental conservation efforts aimed at protecting wetlands and mitigating the effects of climate change will continue across the country.

The Lubigi wetland is one of Kampala's most important ecological systems, playing a critical role in flood control, water filtration, and environmental protection.