City businessman Hajji Hassan Bulwadda has come to the aid of families evicted from the Lubigi Wetland by donating five acres of land for them to rebuild their lives, emphasizing the humanitarian rather than political motivation behind his gesture.
In a significant act of philanthropy, Hajji Hassan Bulwadda, the proprietor of Bulwadda Properties, has stepped forward to assist families recently evicted from the Lubigi Wetland.
Bulwadda announced his decision to donate five acres of land in Kikandwa Sub-county, Kizigo-Matte village, Busunju, Mityana District, to help these families start anew.
“I am not giving these people land because of political reasons or because I am so rich but as a human being I know that people need where to stay, children need homes to grow up in or else they will go to the streets,” Bulwadda said during the handover ceremony.
The land donation comes as a relief to the over 1,000 people displaced by the National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA) alongside the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Uganda Police on June 14, 2024.
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The evictions aimed to reclaim the Lubigi Wetland in Wakiso District, which has seen extensive encroachment.
Despite being a supporter of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Bulwadda emphasized that his gesture transcends political affiliations.
“This is a matter beyond politics,” he asserted. “I urge whoever is willing to help these evicted families not to politicize it.”
The land, part of Bulwadda’s extensive 300-acre estate, provides the evictees a chance to establish new homes and rebuild their lives.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Shaffic Nsubuga, who was present at the ceremony, praised Bulwadda’s initiative and called on other businessmen to follow suit.
“Hajji Bulwadda is doing this for humanitarian reasons, and we implore other businessmen to come out and rescue other affected people,” Nsubuga said.
Local leaders echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgent need for community support in the wake of the evictions.
“We need more people like Hajji Bulwadda who can look beyond personal and political interests to address humanitarian crises,” said Kikandwa Sub-county Chairperson, Rose Namubiru.
The evictees expressed gratitude for the unexpected support.
“This donation is a lifeline for us,” said Maria Nakayenga, one of the displaced residents. “We were uncertain about our future, but now we have hope to rebuild our lives.”
Environmental groups, while supporting the need to protect wetlands, have urged for more humane approaches to relocations. “
Environmental conservation is crucial, but it should not come at the cost of human dignity,” noted environmentalist Dr. Samuel Kiggundu. “
Efforts should be made to find sustainable solutions that consider both ecological and social impacts.”
As Bulwadda’s donation gains attention, it sheds light on the broader issue of balancing environmental conservation with human rights.
The generosity displayed has set a precedent, prompting discussions on how communities can come together to support those in need while maintaining ecological integrity.
In the coming weeks, the focus will likely shift to how additional resources and support can be mobilized to aid those still affected by the evictions, ensuring that no one is left without a place to call home.
