By KT Reporter
At least two people have been arrested in a joint operation by the Environment Protection Police Unit and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for constructing an unauthorized floating recreation facility on Lake Victoria.
According to NEMA’s Senior Communications Officer Naomi Karekaho, the environmental body received a tip-off from a whistleblower about the illegal structure along the Lake Drive Zone in Port Bell Village, Luzira Parish, Nakawa Division, Kampala, on Tuesday.
Preliminary investigations by NEMA revealed that the site—reportedly owned by an individual identified only as Joshua—had no environmental clearance or permit, making the construction illegal and in violation of Uganda’s environmental laws.
“NEMA also observed poor waste management along the lakeshore, with plastic bags, bottles, and other solid waste discarded irresponsibly, posing a serious threat to aquatic life and water quality,” Karekaho said. Two unidentified casual workers found at the scene were arrested, and the makeshift structure was destroyed. Authorities are still hunting for the proprietor.
“The structure is an improvised floating facility, constructed with poles and a roof, featuring a concrete interior. It is reportedly used as a bar or restaurant, but lacks NEMA approval and licensing, prompting our intervention,” Karekaho noted.
She emphasized that erecting a floating facility on a natural water body without prior environmental clearance is illegal and undermines efforts to conserve the environment. “The developer’s actions were a direct violation of Section 36(1) of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, which states: ‘A person shall not, without the written approval of the Authority, carry out any activity which is likely to have a significant effect on the environment.’ The construction raised several environmental concerns,” Karekaho added.
NEMA has since urged the public to report any suspicious activity along wetlands, lakeshores, or protected areas that may pose environmental risks to the relevant authorities.
The environmental watchdog has vowed to continue regular surveillance and enforcement operations to protect Uganda’s fragile ecosystems, particularly wetlands and water bodies, from illegal encroachment and degradation.
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda’s water resources are increasingly under threat from pollution and poor management due to industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste, as well as wetland encroachment, posing risks to both ecosystems and public health-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
