A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer, Lt. Col. Harold Twinomujuni Akiniagi, is facing allegations of illegally occupying the Rwentuha Wetland along the Kitagwenda–Kamwenge road in Kitagwenda District.
Environmental officials in the district accuse Lt. Col. Akiniagi of repeatedly ignoring directives to halt unauthorized construction in the protected wetland.
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According to Moses Turyamureba Bujara, the District Natural Resources Officer, the encroachment was first discovered in March 2024 during a routine environmental inspection. At the time, Lt. Col. Akiniagi was reportedly building permanent structures not only in the wetland but also within the road reserve.
“We issued him an environmental improvement notice and advised him to consult the Executive Director of NEMA for proper guidance,” Turyamureba said. “Despite these efforts, he refused to comply.”
Subsequent attempts by the district to engage the officer reportedly went unanswered. In January 2025, authorities arrested four of his workers who were caught building in the wetland, but they were later released on bond. Construction has since resumed, now reportedly under the protection of Akiniagi’s armed guards, with the buildings nearing completion.
“This is an extreme case of impunity,” Turyamureba said.
Senior Environment Officer Anthony Kalyegira voiced similar concerns, warning that the officer’s actions could set a dangerous precedent. “When senior officials ignore environmental laws, it sends the wrong message to the public,” he said.
Efforts by the media to obtain a comment from Lt. Col. Akiniagi were unsuccessful. Although he confirmed he was speaking to a journalist, he declined to respond.
Philip Nabaasa, the Assistant Resident Commissioner for Kitagwenda, confirmed that his office is aware of the situation. “We’ve issued warnings, but they’ve been ignored. The matter is now beyond our control, and we’re calling on higher authorities to intervene,” Nabaasa said.
Under Uganda’s National Environment Act, it is illegal to construct permanent buildings within 200 meters of a wetland without explicit authorization from NEMA. Violations can result in heavy penalties, including permit revocation, prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
Environmentalists and district leaders are now calling on NEMA and UPDF leadership to take immediate disciplinary action against the officer.
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