Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Youth and Children’s Affairs, issued “heartfelt apologies” to Rose Namuddu and the elderly and vulnerable individuals evicted from Lubigi Wetland.
Namuddu, a 72-year-old woman, became an image of despair after her house was demolished by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in the Lubigi wetland area in July 2024.
Hundreds of families lost their homes. Namuddu stood helplessly holding a chicken, her only remaining possession, looking on as her house was reduced to rubble.
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Later, Namuddu and 26 others, mostly women, were arrested for returning to the eviction zone. She was charged in October with “failure to comply with orders” after erecting a temporary shelter.
Human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire highlighted the injustice, noting that Namuddu was denied bail because she had no permanent home, the same one that had been unlawfully destroyed. The 72-year-old and others were imprisoned for over two months.
Namuddu’s case gained attention through social media campaigns led by activists, including Atuhaire and Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo. The group fought for her release, and she was eventually granted bail. Efforts to rebuild her home were launched as part of the campaign to help her recover from the tragedy.
Dr. “Spire” Ssentongo questioned the justice in jailing an elderly woman who was destitute, pointing out the hypocrisy of NEMA’s focus on wetlands protection while allowing wealthy investors to develop in the same areas.
Minister Balaam expressed regret over Namuddu’s situation and acknowledged the failure of authorities, including NEMA and KCCA, to prevent settlements in sensitive areas. He committed to supporting Namuddu with a financial contribution and called for a fundraising effort to help her secure land and a home.
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