On Monday afternoon, a group of youths, guided by NEMA officials and environmental police, descended on the church located opposite Seeta High School along the Kampala-Jinja Highway.
Owned by Pastor Joseph Muzaale, the church occupied nearly three acres of wetland, obstructing water flow and causing recurring flooding and property damage in Kigunga and nearby villages.
During the demolition, church members expressed frustration with NEMA’s actions, highlighting the apparent impunity of the government in targeting their property while ignoring factories owned by foreigners in wetlands.
Local leaders, while acknowledging the need to address wetland encroachment, criticized Mukono municipality for approving building plans in such areas, exacerbating the problem.
Joseph Bampabura, Pastor Muzaale’s lawyer, asserted that the church had obtained all necessary approvals from NEMA and municipal officials. He decried NEMA’s disregard for due process, claiming they proceeded with the demolition despite a court order restraining them.
Despite the growing impact of climate change, actions like the demolition of Pastor Muzaale’s church highlight the challenges faced by individuals and investors in navigating environmental regulations.
In this situation, there was no divine intervention to halt the demolition, leaving Pastor Muzaale and others grappling with the consequences of wetland encroachment enforcement.
