Introduction
Lubigi, a once-thriving community, now stands at the heart of a complex and ongoing struggle encompassing forced evictions, human rights violations, and legal battles. A Health Equity and Policy Initiative (HEAPI) delves into the realities faced by the residents of Lubigi, it becomes evident that the community’s plight is emblematic of a broader crisis affecting many across Uganda. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the developments in Lubigi, combining historical context, victim narratives, legal frameworks, and recent advancements.
Historical Context and Community Background
Lubigi, located on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda, has long been home to a diverse population including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled individuals, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The community’s history is marked by a series of forced evictions linked to large-scale development projects and inadequate compensation. These events have had devastating impacts on the local population, disrupting their lives and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
Chronology of Forced Evictions and Their Impact
- 2000s – Early Evictions: In the early 2000s, the initial waves of forced evictions in Lubigi began as government and private sector projects expanded. Residents were displaced without adequate compensation, leading to immediate housing crises and a loss of livelihood for many.
- 2010s – Escalation of Conflict: The 2010s saw an escalation in the scale and frequency of evictions. The introduction of large-scale infrastructure projects and environmental reclamation efforts led to increased displacement. Legal battles ensued, with many affected individuals seeking redress through courts and advocacy organizations.
- 2020s – Legal and Human Rights Struggles: Recent years have seen intensified legal and human rights struggles. Advocacy groups, including HEAPI, have documented numerous cases of human rights violations, including unlawful evictions and lack of due process. Victims have reported inadequate compensation and insufficient relocation support, exacerbating their plight.https://www.independent.co.ug/activists-lubigi-evictions-marred-by-human-rights-abuses/
Victim Narratives
The experiences of Lubigi residents highlight the severe consequences of forced evictions. Here are some representative stories:
The Story of Nakanjako
Nakanjako, a resident of Lubigi, epitomizes the personal struggles faced by many in the community. Nakanjako’s family has lived in Lubigi for decades, their home a symbol of their stability and community ties. However, their lives were upended when they received an eviction notice that allowed only 21 days for them to vacate their property. This notice period was grossly insufficient, considering the complex logistics of relocating an entire household and securing new accommodation.
Inadequate Notice and Demolition: The 21-day notice period proved to be a mere formality when, just three days later, homes in Nabweru South were demolished. The residents, already stressed and disoriented, faced the additional trauma of losing their homes with little warning. This abrupt action, executed without sufficient time for the residents to make alternative arrangements, highlighted the systemic failures in the eviction process.
NEMA’s Response: In the aftermath of these demolitions, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) promised to address the grievances of the affected residents. NEMA’s assurances included plans to provide support and compensation, a beacon of hope amid the chaos. However, the effectiveness and timeliness of these promises remain in question, as many residents continue to suffer without adequate resolution.
Pictoirial:
“Nakanjako’s home before the demolition. This image captures the sense of stability and belonging that was abruptly taken from her and her family. The once-thriving residence now stands as a symbol of the loss and displacement faced by many in the wake of the eviction.”
“Nakanjako’s son displays his injured arm in the bid to salvage some of their property, a stark reminder of the physical harm and trauma inflicted by the recent forced evictions. The injury symbolizes the broader suffering experienced by many in the community as a result of the demolitions.”
“Nakanjako, amidst the ruins of her home, reflects the devastation caused by the recent forced evictions. Her resilience and strength are palpable as she sits among the remnants of her former life, highlighting the severe impact of the demolitions on individual lives and communities.”
The Story of Atwebembera Dickson: A Victim of Forced Evictions
Early Life and Land Ownership: Atwebembera Dickson, a 51-year-old father of three, has been a resident of Nabweru South I in Nansana Town Council, Wakiso District, since 2001. A self-employed chicken rearer, Dickson managed a flock of 300 birds on his land, where he also lived with his family. His landownership journey began on August 12, 2001, when he bought a piece of land measuring 30x48x29 feet from Charles Sebulime for 600,000 Ugandan shillings. He paid for the land in installments. Later, on February 24, 2003, he purchased an additional 10×40 feet from Nabatanzi Gertrude Nalongo for 150,000 Ugandan shillings, paying in one installment.
Life on the Land: The land was managed by the Buganda Land Board (BLB), making Dickson a kibanja owner who paid busuulu (ground rent). He also paid 200,000 Ugandan shillings to BLB for registration on July 27, 2012. For over 23 years, this land was not just a home for Dickson and his family, but also the center of his livelihood, providing stability and sustenance.
The Beginning of a Nightmare: On June 5, 2024, Dickson’s life took a dramatic turn. While at home, a group of people arrived, claiming to be from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). They marked his property and presented documents, which were in English, a language Dickson did not fully understand. Refusing to sign the documents without comprehension, Dickson was informed that he had 21 days to vacate the premises or face forced eviction.
The Harsh Reality of Forced Eviction: However, just four days later, on June 9, 2024, the same people returned, this time accompanied by individuals in army uniforms, with excavators and graders. They demolished the marked house with no prior warning. The scene was chaotic and terrifying as families, including Dickson’s, scrambled to salvage their belongings amidst the destruction.
“I only managed to grab a few things, some of which were stolen in the process,” Dickson recalls. As neighbors’ houses were destroyed, people rushed to grab what they could, battling looters and scrap collectors. The pandemonium was especially horrifying for children and the elderly, some of whom succumbed to the stress and terror of the eviction.
Immediate and Long-term Impact: The forced eviction shattered Dickson’s family. His wife and children had to stay elsewhere, while he found temporary refuge at a friend’s house. The night of the eviction, they slept outside in the freezing cold, along with other displaced families. The elderly, left without assistance, and children, unable to attend school, were particularly vulnerable.
Dickson’s livelihood was decimated. His chicken-rearing business, which was the family’s primary source of income, was destroyed. The family home, a symbol of stability and security, was reduced to rubble. The emotional and psychological trauma has left indelible scars on Dickson and his family, as well as on the broader community.
Community Devastation: The impact of the forced evictions extended beyond Dickson’s family. The entire community of Nabweru South I was affected. Families were split, homes destroyed, and livelihoods lost. The once-thriving community was plunged into destitution. School-going children were left without a place to learn, and many families were left without shelter, braving the harsh weather in makeshift housing.
Current Status and Ongoing Struggles: Today, Dickson’s family remains fragmented, with his wife and children living separately. The lack of food, shelter, and basic necessities has made daily survival a struggle. The weather has been particularly unforgiving, with those attempting to create makeshift housing on their former land being pushed off once again.
The Lubigi Swamp reclamation project by NEMA, intended for environmental conservation, has instead become a nightmare for Dickson and his neighbors. The promised compensations and government programs seemed to have bypassed them, leaving many questioning why they were subjected to such torment without due process or adequate support.
Pictorial:
“Atwebembera Dickson’s home in Nabweru South I, where he lived and ran his chicken-rearing business, providing stability and livelihood for his family.”
“The remnants of Dickson’s home following the forced eviction, a stark reminder of the devastating impact on his family and the community.”
The Story of Abbasi: A Mark of Doom
Life in Lubigi: Abbasi, another resident of Lubigi, has recently experienced the looming threat of eviction. His home has been marked for demolition by NEMA, an ominous sign that his family is next in line for displacement. Unlike the biblical story where the Israelites’ homes were marked for salvation, in Lubigi, the mark signifies doom, a portent of inevitable destruction.
The Uncertainty: The exact area to be reclaimed by NEMA remains unknown, adding to the anxiety and fear among the residents. The ambiguity of the reclamation zone leaves families like Abbasi’s in a state of constant dread, unsure of their future and unable to plan for the inevitable.
The Impact: The mark on Abbasi’s home has created a sense of foreboding and despair. As he and his family await their fate, the psychological toll is immense. The uncertainty of when the eviction will occur and the lack of clear communication from authorities compound the stress and trauma.
Community Response: Abbasi’s story is not unique. Many residents of Lubigi are facing similar threats, marked for eviction without adequate notice or compensation. The community’s collective anxiety and the palpable fear of impending displacement underscore the broader crisis of forced evictions in Uganda.
Pictorial:
“The mark of doom, a symbol of the imminent threat of displacement faced by many residents.”
Legal Framework and Human Rights Issues
The forced evictions in Lubigi raise significant legal and human rights concerns. Under Ugandan law, evictions must be carried out in a manner that respects the rights of the affected individuals, including adequate notice, fair compensation, and proper relocation support. However, the experiences of Lubigi residents reveal a stark contrast between legal provisions and their implementation.
Inadequate Notice and Compensation: Many residents, including Nakanjako and Dickson, received eviction notices with insufficient time to make alternative arrangements. The compensation provided, if any, often fell short of the actual value of the lost property and livelihood. This failure to meet legal standards highlights the systemic issues in the eviction process.
Human Rights Violations: The forced evictions have been marked by numerous human rights violations, including the use of excessive force, lack of due process, and inadequate support for the displaced. These actions contravene international human rights standards, which mandate the protection of individuals’ rights to adequate housing, security, and livelihood.
Advocacy and Legal Action: Organizations like HEAPI are at the forefront of advocating for the rights of displaced persons in Lubigi. Legal battles are ongoing, with efforts to secure fair compensation and proper relocation support for the affected residents. Advocacy groups are also working to hold authorities accountable and ensure that future evictions comply with legal and human rights standards.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
Recent developments in Lubigi include NEMA’s promises to address grievances and provide compensation. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. The community continues to face uncertainty and challenges as they await meaningful support and resolution.
Government Initiatives: The Ugandan government has announced various initiatives aimed at addressing the issues of forced evictions and providing support for displaced persons. These include policy reforms, compensation schemes, and relocation programs. However, the implementation of these initiatives has been slow and often inadequate.
Community Resilience and Advocacy: Despite the challenges, the residents of Lubigi have shown remarkable resilience. Community-based organizations and advocacy groups continue to play a crucial role in supporting the affected individuals and advocating for their rights. Efforts to raise awareness and mobilize resources are ongoing, with the aim of achieving justice and equitable solutions for the displaced.
Conclusion
The plight of the residents of Lubigi is a stark reminder of the human impact of forced evictions and the urgent need for comprehensive legal and policy reforms. As the Health Equity and Policy Initiative continues to document and advocate for the rights of displaced persons, it is imperative that authorities and stakeholders prioritize the protection of vulnerable communities. Only through concerted efforts can we ensure that the residents of Lubigi and similar communities across Uganda receive the justice and support they deserve.