Residents Cry Out After Nema Demolitions Leave Families Homeless in Kawaala

Dozens of families in Kawaala Zone II, Rubaga Municipality, Uganda, are appealing for urgent aid after a demolition exercise by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) rendered them homeless. Residents report that their homes and businesses were destroyed during the operation, leaving them stranded with no place to sleep or income to support their families. Resty Nanyange, who worked for years as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia to build her home, expressed her devastation. "I spent years working in Saudi Arabia and invested all my savings in building this house. Today, I have nothing left. I am sleeping in makeshift shelters and tents because my home was brought down," she said. Saidat Nabyonga, caring for three grandchildren orphaned by their parents' death, highlighted how the demolitions have exacerbated their already dire situation. "I am looking after three young grandchildren, but I no longer have food to feed them or a proper place where they can sleep. We do not know where to turn for help," Nabyonga stated. The demolitions also impacted businesses, including those owned by people with disabilities, whose owners lost both their homes and livelihoods. "Our house and business were demolished at the same time. Everything we depended on was destroyed. We are now appealing for support so that we can rebuild our lives," one affected resident said. The residents maintain they legally own the land and possess documentation, such as land titles, to support their claims. They dispute the assertion that their properties are located within the Lubigi wetland boundary. The affected families are now calling for government intervention and relief support as they await clarification on the demolition exercise that has left many uncertain about their future.

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I spent years working in Saudi Arabia and invested all my savings in building this house. Today, I have nothing left. I am sleeping in makeshift shelters and tents because my home was brought down.