Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,136
- 585
The Minister of Water and Environment, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, delivered the ultimatum at the weekend, warning that the state will no longer tolerate the unchecked destruction of Uganda’s fragile ecosystems. Crucially, the minister revealed that the crackdown will not only target illegal occupants but will also pursue the public officials who facilitate environmental destruction.
"Nature licenses hippos, fish, frogs, crocodile. And that’s what it is....If you are not a fish, a frog, a hippo, and a crocodile, what are you doing in the wetland? Even if it is your mistress, get out by all means. Why do you complain? You think God was stupid to put you on dry land and put the reptiles in the in the water? Why are you invading the wetlands?...There should be no mercy for those who are degrading the wetlands,” a defiant Gen. Otafiire declared. “I am going after those who are damaging the environment and those who allow them to damage the environment. Amnesty ends today.”
Gen. Otafiire issued the directive during the third National Environment Sustainability Awards (NESA) 2026 held in Kampala. The event, themed “Innovation for Climate Resilience,” brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, environmentalists, and innovators.
The minister argued that wetland degradation has far-reaching consequences for water security, public health, and the wellbeing of future generations. Drawing attention to the growing environmental pressures facing the capital city, Otafiire noted that wetlands play a critical role in filtering pollutants before they reach major water bodies.
