Summary:
- Namuddu’s plight captured national attention in July 2024 during NEMA’s eviction exercise in and around the Lubigi wetland.
KAMPALA: A group of social media campaigners, led by lawyer and rights activist Agather Atuhaire, has launched an online fundraiser to support 72-year-old Rose Namuddu, a resident of Nansana West II Zone, Nabweru Parish, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, whose home was demolished by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for encroaching on a wetland.
Namuddu’s plight captured national attention in July 2024 during NEMA’s eviction exercise in and around the Lubigi wetland. Hundreds of families were displaced as NEMA demolished homes in a bid to reclaim wetland areas on Kampala’s northern and western outskirts.
Namuddu’s image, standing motionless with her only remaining possession a chicken in hand became a poignant symbol of the eviction’s harsh impact.
Following the demolition, Namuddu, along with 26 others mostly women was arrested for attempting to return to the eviction zone in Ganda-Nasere, Nansana West II B, Nabweru South Cell I, and Nabweru South Cell II.
In October, she erected a tent on the contested land as a temporary shelter for her family but was again arrested and charged with “failure to comply with orders and notices.” The group was remanded to Luzira and Kitalya prisons.
Namuddu’s case has drawn widespread sympathy. She was granted non-cash bail last Thursday, sparking renewed efforts to complete a home for her. Agather Atuhaire, leading the fundraising campaign, announced that over UGX 5.5 million has been raised so far.
“We now have UGX 5.5 million, guys. My heart is full. You’re all very kind people,” Atuhaire shared in an update. “Jjaja Namuddu sends her appreciation to all of you. Her daughter had humbly asked for UGX 5 million to complete the house, to which the National Unity Platform (NUP) had contributed UGX 3 million. But I think we can make it UGX 10 million. Let’s give ourselves this weekend so that I deliver the money on Monday.”
The campaign has also attracted the attention of the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who contributed UGX 1 million to help Namuddu acquire titled land and build a modest house.
“Let’s put humanity above politics,” Minister Barugahara urged. “A wrong is a wrong, and we mustn’t turn a blind eye. I’m joining forces with fellow Rotarians and other well-wishers to support Mama Namuddu, who lost her home due to NEMA’s wetland eviction campaign in Lubigi.”
The minister called on Ugandans to raise awareness about the dangers of wetland encroachment, ensure that laws are applied equitably, and hold accountable those who allow or encourage illegal settlements.
He also emphasized the need to protect the environment for future generations while prioritizing the well-being of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The campaign to support Namuddu has highlighted the human cost of environmental enforcement while sparking a conversation on balancing environmental protection with safeguarding livelihoods.
The Source Reports.
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