Kampala, Uganda: 13 MAY 2025 – On Tuesday, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) acting on a whistleblower’s tip, demolished an illegal recreation facility that was under construction on the shores of Lake Victoria.
According to NEMA, the developer only known as Joshua, had commenced construction of a floating structure without obtaining the necessary environmental approvals, directly contravening Section 36(1) of the National Environment Act, Cap 181. The facility had been erected in the Lake along Lake Drive Zone, Port Bell Village, Luzira Parish.
According to Naome Karekona the spokesperson for NEMA, environmental concerns at the site were reportedly significant. She said NEMA officials observed poor waste management practices, with plastic bags, bottles, and other solid waste scattered along the lakeshore, posing a direct threat to the delicate aquatic ecosystem and water quality.
Furthermore, construction materials such as sand bricks and timber were being used directly on the lakebed without any apparent consideration for environmental safety regulations.
The illegal development was reportedly owned by an individual identified as Joshua and lacked any form of environmental clearance or permit from NEMA. The Authority emphasized that undertaking such construction without proper authorization constitutes an environmental offense under Ugandan law.
The Authority stated that such actions not only violate the law but also undermine national conservation efforts aimed at protecting Uganda’s valuable natural resources. The NEMA Act clearly prohibits any activity with the potential for significant environmental impact without prior written authorization from the Authority.
NEMA has strongly urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in wetlands, along lakeshores, or within protected areas that could potentially harm the environment to the relevant authorities.
