The Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Major (Rtd) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, has rejected claims that the ongoing demolition exercise at the Sakumo Ramsar site was poorly coordinated, insisting that the operation proceeded smoothly and achieved its initial objectives.
The demolition exercise, which began on Tuesday, May 27, is part of a broader government effort to reclaim protected wetlands illegally encroached upon by private developers.
However, the operation encountered early setbacks, including the use of lightweight machinery that was ill-suited for the terrain, and a temporary fuel shortage that delayed progress on-site.
These logistical hiccups sparked criticism from some observers, who questioned the level of preparedness and planning behind the exercise.
Responding to the concerns in an interview on Channel One Newsroom, Dr. Kuyon maintained that the commencement of the operation was successful and dismissed the notion of poor coordination.
“I don’t think the exercise lacked [coordination]. For me, the beginning of work was very satisfactory,” he stated.
Dr. Kuyon further commended the collaboration between NADMO and its partner agencies, noting that each institution involved fulfilled its responsibilities effectively.
“Everybody played their parts and what we gave ourselves as targets for work today we’ve accomplished, and work will continue [on Wednesday] unabated,” he assured.
The Sakumo Ramsar site, a designated wetland reserve under international conservation protocols, has been the subject of growing concern in recent years due to increasing human encroachment, illegal construction, and environmental degradation.
Authorities say the demolition is part of a sustained campaign to restore ecological balance and enforce land use regulations in protected zones.
Despite the early logistical issues, NADMO says it remains committed to seeing the operation through and has promised improved support and resources in the coming days to ensure smooth execution.
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