Derrick
After the destruction of property in Ruhinda Sub County, Rukungiri district, in an effort to restore wetlands, dissatisfaction has emerged among the residents regarding the process and manner in which it was carried out, on Thursday Rukungiri district Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Midius Natukunda Kaharata, raised the residents’ dissatisfaction in Parliament.
She requested a team to be dispatched to the affected area to assess and value the damaged property for compensation.
The legislator informed the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, that officials from Rukungiri district water and environment, along with a team, destroyed property worth millions of shillings two weeks ago. She emphasized that some of the properties were not situated in wetlands, leaving residents in a difficult situation.
The wetland restoration operation in Ruhinda Sub County affected the parishes of Rwamugoma, Kicwamba, Burombe, and parts of Ndere parish. Hon. Natukunda urged the government to consider compensation for those whose property was not in wetlands.
During her address to Parliament, Hon. Natukunda expressed her commitment to environmental protection and highlighted the lack of proper sensitization for residents. She argued that people were not clearly informed and shown the demarcated area by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) before their property was destroyed.
Assuring the affected residents, the Woman MP urged them to remain calm as their concerns had been brought to the attention of Parliament. She also mentioned that Minister of Security Hon Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi had expressed condolences and promised to visit the area to assess how residents could be assisted in terms of compensation for property not in wetlands.
Minister Muhwezi stated that if it is found that the officers involved in the operation destroyed property not located in wetlands, they would face penalties.
