Lake Victoria Encroacher Re-arrested in Mukono

A self-proclaimed State House agent, David Kahwa, who encroached on the Lake Victoria buffer zone at Mpunge Sub County in Mukono District, has been re-arrested. Kahwa was first arrested last week on Friday evening for obstructing district officials from inspecting the lake’s buffer zone and detained at Mukono Police Division headquarters following a standoff with Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hassan Kasibante.

He was released on bond over the weekend under unclear circumstances. The RDC engaged the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for further intervention. On Tuesday, officials from NEMA visited Mpunge to ascertain the damage but declined to speak to the media, saying they would talk about the matter through official channels at an appropriate time. 

Upon Kahwa's return to the police for procedural bond reporting, he was instead re-arrested. Last week, the RDC visited Kamwanyi Landing Site to inspect the lakeshore, only to discover an illegal concrete perimeter wall encroaching into the lake.

Kasibante’s inspection attempt quickly turned into a spectacle. Upon arrival at the site, he found the entrance gate locked. The gatekeeper, citing a lack of authorization from his boss, refused entry. After summoning police reinforcements, officials attempted to scale the gate.

At that moment, Kahwa appeared, opened the gate, and demanded introductions from every individual, including drivers accompanying the team. When Kasibante declined, insisting the drivers were irrelevant to the inspection, Kahwa ordered the vehicles barred from entry.

Despite agreeing to proceed on foot, Kasibante insisted the gate remain open until their return. Kahwa disagreed and attempted to seize the gate keys, raising suspicions and prompting his arrest.

This is not the first time Kahwa has clashed with authorities over environmental violations. In 2022, URN reported on the illegal constructions at Mpunge, including the controversial perimeter wall. Despite calls for demolition by local leaders and environmental officers, no action was taken.

William Mujuni, the District Natural Resources, and Environment Officer expressed frustration over repeated but futile attempts to halt Kahwa’s activities. “This area was designated as a fishing landing site, but it’s been fenced off and developed illegally,” Mujuni explained, adding that they had engaged Kahwa countless times to cease these activities, but he continuously and adamantly refused.

Residents of Kamwanyi Landing Site have endured the impact of Kahwa’s encroachment for years. Fishermen complain of declining fish stocks due to the destruction of breeding grounds, while women involved in fish smoking have lost their livelihoods.

“We rely on farming and fishing, but these illegal activities are sabotaging our survival,” lamented Bob Katewu, Mpunge Sub County Speaker and environmental conservation advocate. Others, like long-time resident Lubanga Wamala, accuse Kahwa of silencing dissent through threats and bribes.

However, Deputy RDC Kasibante vowed to hold Kahwa accountable. “This man has operated with impunity, claiming connections to powerful offices, but no one is above the law,” Kasibante stated.

He added that they are taking him to court for violating environmental laws and obstructing public officers. He noted that they have applied for the transfer of the matter to Kampala fearing to compromise officers at Mukono. Meanwhile, local leaders continue to call for the demolition of Kahwa’s illegal structures to restore the buffer zone and protect the lake’s ecosystem.