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. A formal complaint filed with the Minister of Local Government has accused some environmental officers of extortion and irregular enforcement of environmental regulations. The allegations have raised concerns about the impact of environmental degradation on the local community.
The complaint, filed by businessman Joseph Kazibwe, alleges that an environmental officer identified as Mugabi Nicholas demanded money from people undertaking construction in areas bordering wetlands. 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 also alleges that two car batteries belonging to Kazibwe were confiscated and that Shs 300,000 was paid through a guard.
Further allegations have been made against environmental officers, including one involving businessman Walusimbi John, from whom Shs 1 million was allegedly 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.
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. The officials were asked to provide relevant documents concerning alleged environmental degradation in Kajjansi and Kasenyi in Katabi Town Council.
The investigations are reportedly related to 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 allegations have raised broader questions about environmental enforcement, alleged corruption, and developments in environmentally sensitive areas in Kajjansi, Katabi, and neighboring areas. 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.
The affected officials and institutions will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, residents and stakeholders are awaiting the outcome of the investigations, hoping that transparency and accountability will be restored in environmental enforcement and the management of wetlands and other protected areas.
Key points
- Residents in Kajjansi and Katabi Town Councils are demanding transparency and accountability in environmental enforcement amid allegations of corruption against environmental officers.
- A formal complaint has been filed with the Minister of Local Government, accusing some environmental officers of extortion and irregular enforcement of environmental regulations.
- Investigations are underway, with several district and town council officials summoned to provide relevant documents concerning alleged environmental degradation.
