Senior Reporter
The Chairman of Kabale District LC.5, Nelson Nshangabasheija, has made an appeal to the Government to consider compensating individuals whose lives will be affected by the Presidential directive to remove them from wetlands.
In October of last year, President Museveni issued an executive order directing authorities to ensure the removal of individuals encroaching on wetlands nationwide. Following this directive, the Ministry of Water and Environment gazetted several wetlands for restoration, causing concern among those who depend on these areas for their livelihoods.
Efforts have begun in Kabale District to restore approximately 350 acres of encroached wetlands, which have long been used for settlement, agriculture, and other human activities. Some of the notable wetlands slated for restoration include Ikona Wetland in Maziba Subcounty, Kyanamira–Kabanyoyi Stretch in Kyanamira Subcounty, South Kiruruma Wetland in Kamuganguzi Subcounty, Kabari Wetland in Rubaya Subcounty, and Nyombe Wetland in Kahungye Subcounty.
During a meeting of the District Council chaired by Speaker Flavia Kanagizi, Chairman Nshangabasheija stressed that these wetlands have been crucial sources of livelihood for thousands of people who will need alternatives before being evicted. He emphasized the importance of educating the population about wetland conservation before enforcement actions take place.
Speaker Flavia Kanagizi Nyinakiiza instructed the technical staff at Kabale District Local Government to provide further guidance to the District Natural Resources Committee, which was tasked with discussing the matter in detail. Kanagizi urged the committee to analyze the Environment Act 2019 alongside the presidential directive on wetlands before the District Council develops its resolution.
When reached for comment, Kabale District Environment Officer Evas Asiimwe revealed that they had compiled a thorough list of individuals likely to be affected by wetland evictions, should the Government choose to assist them in finding alternatives. She mentioned that these lists were compiled between July and December of the previous year.
Meanwhile, Kabale Deputy RDC Ronald Bakak urged residents to vacate ecologically sensitive areas and refrain from settling or engaging in agricultural activities in these regions. He underscored the vital role of wetlands in maintaining a healthy environment and preventing future flooding incidents. Bakak pointed out that encroachment undermines the water-absorption capacity of wetlands, leading to increased flooding in surrounding areas. He pledged that district authorities would work together with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of wetland conservation.
