The Executive Director of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Akankwasa Barirega, has assured leaders in Busoga sub-region that the eviction of wetland encroachers will not commence until comprehensive alternative income generation activities have been established.
Addressing Busoga leaders in Jinja City, Akankwasa highlighted the escalating issue of wetland encroachment within the region, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address this environmental challenge.
Furthermore, Akankwasa revealed that NEMA has initiated grassroots consultation drives to engage with subsistence farmers residing in wetland areas, facilitating discussions on relocation plans and sustainable livelihood options.
In alignment with the presidential directive to evict individuals encroaching on wetlands, NEMA teams are actively mapping out wetlands, swamps, and streams. These efforts aim to enhance ongoing sensitization campaigns targeted at encroachers, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to environmentally sustainable livelihoods.
Akankwasa underscored the importance of skilling affected persons in alternative income-generating activities such as beekeeping, dairy farming, and piggery. These options offer viable alternatives to the reliance on small-scale rice cultivation within swamps and wetlands.
Minister of General Duties, Justine Lumumba, stressed the necessity for well-coordinated alternative solutions tailored to the needs of affected persons. Lumumba highlighted the issue of idle post-harvest handling facilities due to power shortages, urging collaborative efforts among government ministries to operationalize alternative enterprises for the benefit of farmers facing eviction from wetlands.
Maj. Gen. Samuel Kavuma, Deputy Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), called upon community leaders to spearhead meaningful environmental conservation initiatives for long-term sustainability.
Minister in charge of the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, disclosed President Museveni’s directive to finance ministry officials to devise compensation mechanisms for affected persons prior to eviction from wetlands. This directive aims to provide affected individuals with sustainable livelihood opportunities, ensuring their well-being amidst the transition.
