The Ministry of Water and Environment has started investigations into a group of people who are issuing fake permits allowing developers to construct in restricted areas like wetlands.
According to the State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Anywar Atim, environmental degradation is being perpetuated by people within government circles who are considered untouchable.
Her statements come after members of parliament complained on November 15, 2023, during the plenary meeting about floods that were partly occasioned by illegal encroachment on sensitive areas such as wetlands.
“The challenge is that we have a lot of forged certificates that are given out by so-called NEMA officials, and it is the very people we are talking to as untouchables who are also degrading the environment,” said Anywar.
Anywar also stated that the Ministry of Lands has started the cancellation process for the certificates, adding that a directive from the president ordered the cancellation of any certificates that allow anybody to construct in wetlands.
Government chief whip, Denis Obua, said that the cabinet took a decision and that relevant agencies need to begin conducting arrests.
He stated that the ministry agreed that all land titles issued within wetlands should be cancelled and those involved prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Uganda.
Anywar urged all Ugandans to take responsibility and report those involved in these illegal activities.