EDITOR
The demarcation of the Ntungwa wetland in Kanungu District has officially commenced, marking a critical move towards the conservation and sustainable management of the wetland. The launch was led by Kanungu’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ambrose Amanyire Mwesigye, who urged the local community to engage in eco-friendly activities that optimize the use of the wetland’s resources without harming its ecological balance.
RDC Mwesigye emphasized the need to protect the wetland for future generations, encouraging residents to focus on sustainable practices such as fishing, beekeeping, basket weaving, and harvesting thatching grass. These activities, he noted, are vital to ensuring the wetland’s long-term health while supporting the livelihoods of the local population.
The district’s environment officer, George Agaba, oversaw the demarcation exercise and highlighted its significance in restoring the wetland’s ecological integrity. He explained that clearly marking the wetland’s boundaries is essential for preventing further encroachment and ensuring that harmful activities such as cultivation and construction are prohibited in protected areas.
“We are not just restoring the river, but the entire wetland system. To achieve this, we must first understand and define its boundaries,” Agaba said. He further explained that while residents will still be able to harvest resources like papyrus and thatching grass, activities like planting eucalyptus, cattle grazing, and farming will no longer be allowed within the demarcated wetland areas.
Agaba assured residents that those voluntarily leaving the wetland will be provided with alternative livelihood support, including resources such as pigs or goats, depending on individual preferences. “This ensures that no one is left without a plan for alternative income,” he added.
The demarcation process is set to expand to other villages, with hopes that the wetland and its river system will fully recover, benefiting both the environment and the local communities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable land use and protect Kanungu’s valuable wetland ecosystems for future generations.
