By Charles Katabalwa,
KAMPALA
The opposition party, National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), has strongly condemned the government for selective demolishing of homes and businesses in Lubigi, Wakiso district, belonging to taxpayers.
Addressing journalists at their party headquarters on Monday (June 17), NEED spokesperson, Moses Matovu, described the demolitions as “a gross violation of citizens’ rights” and “an attack on the very people who contribute to the country’s revenue.”
“The government’s actions are not only inhumane but also economically destructive. These taxpayers have invested their hard-earned money in their properties, and destroying them will only lead to more poverty and suffering,” Matovu said.
NEED demanded an immediate arrest of NEMA officials who live people to build after bribing them and called for compensation for the affected individuals. The party also urged the government to find alternative solutions to address any issues related to urban planning and development.
The demolitions, which began last week, have left hundreds of residents destitutes and without livelihoods. The government has defended its actions, citing the need to upgrade the area’s infrastructure and remove illegal structures.
However, NEED argues that the government’s approach is heavy-handed and disregards the rights of citizens. The party has vowed to continue speaking out against the demolitions and to support those affected.
“We will not stand by and watch as our people suffer. We demand justice and fairness from our government,” Matovu said.
The demolitions have sparked widespread outrage, with many Ugandans expressing solidarity with the affected residents.
During Eid al Adha prayers yesterday, the Buganda Kingdom Prince Kasim Nakibinge, who also doubles as the titular head of the Kibuli based Muslim faction, called on the National environment management authority (NEMA) to stop applying double standards when evicting encroachers on wetlands. In his Eid al Adha message, Nakibinge said main encroachers like factories have not been evicted in the ongoing exercise tasking NEMA to demarcate all wetlands to avoid violation.
