Residents Demand Transparency in Wetland Enforcement as Corruption Allegations Rock Kajjansi, Katabi.

By Philip Onyango

 

Residents Demand Transparency in Wetland Enforcement as Corruption Allegations Rock Kajjansi, Katabi.

 

Residents and stakeholders in Kajjansi and Katabi Town Councils are calling for transparency and accountability in environmental enforcement and the management of wetlands and other protected areas.

    

 

This follows a formal complaint filed with the Minister of Local Government, accusing some environmental officers of extortion and irregular enforcement of environmental regulations.

 

In the complaint, businessman Joseph Kazibwe accuses an environmental officer identified as Mugabi Nicholas of demanding money from people undertaking construction in areas bordering wetlands.

 

According to the complaint, residents who allegedly failed to meet the demands had their construction materials confiscated, with claims that some of the materials were later sold.

 

The complaint alleges that two car batteries belonging to Kazibwe were confiscated and that Shs 300,000 was paid through a guard, with an additional Shs 200,000 allegedly demanded.

 

Another allegation involves businessman Walusimbi John, from whom the complainant claims Shs 1 million was demanded to allow construction to continue. The complaint alleges that after the money was not raised, his construction materials were impounded.

 

The complainant has called for thorough investigations and intervention by the Ministry of Local Government, arguing that environmental degradation in the area has contributed to flooding and other challenges affecting residents.

 

In a related development, a letter dated September 16th, 2026, from Wakiso District Chief Administrative Officer Bukenya Jude Mark indicates that several district and town council officials were directed to report to the CID Office at the Parliamentary Police Division to assist with investigations under Parliamentary GEF 20/2026.

 

The officials were asked to provide relevant documents concerning alleged environmental degradation in Kajjansi and Kasenyi in Katabi Town Council, reportedly involving developments undertaken without clearance from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

 

Those summoned include environmental officers, district and town engineers, physical planners, and township officers from Wakiso District, Kajjansi Town Council, and Katabi Town Council. They were required to appear before CID at Parliament on September 21, 2026.

 

The two documents therefore raise broader questions about environmental enforcement, alleged corruption, and developments in environmentally sensitive areas in Kajjansi, Katabi and neighbouring areas.

 

The allegations against Mugabi Nicholas remain allegations and require verification by the relevant investigative and oversight authorities. The affected officials and institutions will also have an opportunity to respond.

 

Meanwhile, Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire has advised anyone who claims to have been assaulted by the environmental officer to report to the relevant police station for assistance.