FDC Condemns Wetland Evictions, Cabinet reshuffle

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has accused the government of discriminatory enforcement in wetland evictions, dismissed the recent cabinet reshuffle as lacking meaningful change, and called for urgent diplomatic intervention over alleged attacks on Ugandans in South Africa. The remarks were made by Centenary Robert Franco, the FDC Vice Chairperson, during a media briefing held at the party’s Najjanankumbi headquarters on Monday Morning.

He criticised the manner in which the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is carrying out wetland evictions, arguing that enforcement is selective and unfair. “We are troubled by the conduct of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in carrying out wetland evictions across Uganda. While we accept that it’s important to protect wetlands, we are concerned with the manner in which it’s being carried out.”

He further alleged that powerful developers are escaping enforcement: “Factories, and rice farms that belong to the rich sit undisturbed in the same wetlands where ordinary citizens are being chased away.” Centenary also questioned how approvals are granted for developments in protected areas, asking: “At one time, NEMA’s Executive Director has admitted that some commercial structures were exempted from demolition because they received government approvals. So, who issues these approvals?” The FDC called for the suspension of evictions until wetlands are clearly demarcated and publicly mapped, and demanded compensation for affected people.

“The poor are being evicted while the rich and powerful are protected.” He added that the government should use the Land Fund to support displaced families: “We demand that the government deploy Land Fund resources to compensate those being displaced, particularly the most vulnerable.” The party also urged equal enforcement across all encroachers, stating: “NEMA should pursue enforcement equally against all encroachers, commercial, industrial, and residential, without distinction based on wealth or political connection.” 

Turning to the recent cabinet changes, Centenary dismissed the reshuffle as cosmetic. Centenary said, “This is not a new cabinet that Ugandans expected. It is just a reshuffle.” He added that key leadership positions remain unchanged: “The same Vice President. The same Prime Minister. The same First Lady in the same ministry. It does not constitute any new direction.” Franco further argued that the government has lost direction in governance and constitutional compliance, citing controversial appointments and legal challenges involving some officials. 

“A president who has held power for 40 years should not be making elementary constitutional errors in his cabinet appointments.” The FDC also criticised the expansion of cabinet positions, arguing it was politically motivated: “This expansion is not in the public interest. It is managing the NRM’s internal political factions at the taxpayer’s expense.” On education, Centenary renewed criticism of the continued stay of the Minister of Education and Sports, saying: “School fees remain beyond the reach of millions of families.

Teacher pay and welfare are unresolved national problems.” The opposition also expressed concern over reported hostility against foreign nationals in South Africa, including Ugandans. Centenary urged the government to act urgently: “The Government of Uganda must immediately engage its counterpart in South Africa through diplomatic channels and seek assurances regarding the safety and security of Ugandan citizens.”

He also called for consular preparedness: “We further call upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uganda’s diplomatic mission in South Africa to establish emergency communication channels, maintain an updated register of Ugandan nationals in affected areas, provide consular assistance where necessary, and continuously update the public on developments.”

FDC strongly condemned xenophobia, stating: “We strongly condemn any form of xenophobia, discrimination, violence, or incitement against foreign nationals.” The party concluded by urging equal protection for Ugandans abroad and respect for African solidarity.