Using a layman’s definition, impunity means freedom from punishment, penalty, or any unpleasant consequences for a wrongful, illegal, or harmful action. It comes from the Latin word impūnitās (without penalty, punishment).
It is frequently used in the expression “with impunity” meaning someone performs a forbidden act without fear of being stopped or disciplined, e.g. breaking the law with impunity.
For the past one week, two institutions of government, the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), have been engaged in the very patriotic duty of enforcing discipline among Ugandans, who have continued to blatantly break the law with impunity and occupy their gazetted land. Without a hint of shame, a section of Ugandans chose to settle in wetlands, rail and road reserves and other gazetted government properties.