Residents accuse NEMA for destroying their property
Residents of Kakooga A, Rugaga, Rubalika A and Rubalika B in Kakooga Parish Rwimi sub county Bunyangabu District have accused the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), district environment team for destruction of their property including plantations.
On Friday last week, the district environment team led by Edgar Muganzi, the Bunyangabu district environment officer cut down hectares of crops along river Nyamuhagura.
However, their acts have since been condemned by the farmers who claim that their gardens are outside the 30 meters from the stream as recommended by NEMA.
They also accuse the district environment team of not notifying them as stipulated in the law.
One of the residents said the enforcement team was reportedly selective and also destroyed her banana plantation which is outside the 30 meter stretch from the highest peak of the stream.
The Bunyangabu district environment officer, Edgar however dismissed the allegations saying they acted in accordance to the amended law which he said is punitive in nature.
State Minister for Gender and Culture who doubles as the Bunyangabu District Woman Member of Parliament Peace Mutuuzo Regis visited the affected communities and ordered the district environment team to do an audit and report back to the victims on Thursday next week.
