NKUMBA, Uganda — A prominent Katabi farmer has received a critical reprieve after President Yoweri Museveni intervened to halt a 21-day eviction order issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The directive, which threatened to dismantle a significant poultry and piggery operation, had raised alarm over its potential economic fallout, including job losses and loan defaults.
Lawrence Nkalubo, who has operated his six-acre farm in Bendegere Village, Nkumba Parish, Katabi Sub-county, since 2000, faced an imminent shutdown of his business, which houses approximately 40,000 layer chickens and 100 pigs. The NEMA order, issued by its Executive Director Akankwasa Barirega, cited foul odors and improper waste management. Barirega recently acquired land adjacent to Nkalubo’s farm, a move analysts say presents a conflict of interest.
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Speaking at a community meeting Saturday, Dr. Hillary Musoke Kisanja, Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness, announced President Museveni’s decision to block the eviction. The president has granted Nkalubo a six-month transitional period and directed Dr. Kisanja to conduct a detailed study of the farm’s operations and submit a comprehensive report.
Economic Ramifications at Forefront
The president’s intervention follows strong advocacy from local leaders and community members who underscored the substantial economic implications of Nkalubo’s farm.
Dr. Kisanja highlighted Nkalubo’s considerable financial commitments, stating, “This man has ongoing loans from over three banks worth more than 1.55 billion Ugandan shillings (about $415,000 USD). If you evict him today, won’t he just die?” He also noted Nkalubo’s recent payment for an order of more than 100,000 chicks from Biyinza, emphasizing the immediate and severe financial losses an eviction would trigger.
Local officials criticized NEMA’s approach, arguing it contradicted government efforts to promote economic development.
Mr. Hakim Kirigwa, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Entebbe Municipality, accused the NEMA executive director of undermining national programs like the Parish Development Model. He pointed out that the government had disbursed 1.5 billion shillings to residents in Katabi Town Council alone, aiming to elevate their economic standing to that of successful farmers like Nkalubo.
“How will they manage when government agencies are fighting the same progress made by the government?” Kirigwa questioned, advocating for guidance on innovative solutions to mitigate farm odors over eviction.
Ronald Kalema, the Mayor of Katabi Town Council, accused NEMA of selective enforcement, citing unchecked wetland degradation and sand mining in the area. He emphasized that Nkalubo should be guided on improved farming practices and given adequate time to transition, stating that a three-week relocation period, as initially demanded by NEMA, was unrealistic.
While commending the president’s six-month reprieve, Kalema suggested more time might be needed for a sustainable transition.
Community Support and Farm’s Impact
Community members rallied behind Nkalubo, emphasizing the farm’s positive economic and social contributions.
Samuel Mpanga, the Bendegere Local Council I Chairperson, stated that the farm had operated for years without prior complaints and brought “nothing but development,” including employment.
Godfrey Mubiru, a Nkumba resident, credited the farm with benefiting the community and providing employment that helped reform local youth from criminal activities. Residents also expressed fears that Nkalubo’s eviction could set a precedent for land grabbing.
Hajjat Shamah Akankwasa, wife of NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasa, who issued the eviction notice, also attended the meeting.
She acknowledged a periodic foul smell since last year but stressed the issue should not be personalized. “It’s not right that Mr. Nkalubo should be evicted from his land… he should instead be guided so that we all live in harmony,” she said, urging NEMA to help Nkalubo manage the odor.
Nkalubo expressed gratitude to President Museveni, Dr. Kisanja, and the community for their support.
He urged NEMA and community members to engage constructively, providing specific guidance on farm improvements. District Police Commander Steven Twinomugisha called for calm and urged residents to report criminal activities.
NEMA’s original order, dated June 23, 2025, accused Nkalubo of “poor waste management practices” and operating without proper approvals for a farm exceeding 1,000 chickens. It demanded an immediate cessation of activities causing foul smells, demolition of illegal structures, and cleanup within 21 days, warning of criminal proceedings and cost recovery if Nkalubo failed to comply.
