Community-based organizations (CBOs) in Uganda’s central district of Mpigi have joined forces in a campaign to protect and preserve wetlands. Launched on Friday, the initiative brings together local CBOs and environmental activists to raise awareness about the threats posed by encroachment on wetlands.
The campaign, led by Fridays For Future Uganda and Urgent Climate Action Africa, aims to build the capacity of local communities to safeguard wetlands by holding economic actors accountable. This collaborative effort responds to the increasing challenges faced by Mpigi’s wetlands from both community members and investors establishing factories in these vulnerable areas.
Andrew Mugonza, the executive director of Urgent Climate Action Africa, highlighted the strategic appeal of Mpigi district, attracting numerous investments in factories and agriculture. Unfortunately, these activities often result in the destruction of wetlands. Mugonza emphasized the importance of sensitizing communities, especially those near wetlands, about the significance of protecting these areas and the associated risks.
Climate activist Janita Kauda from Fridays for Future Uganda called for a collective community approach and affirmative actions to conserve and restore wetlands, citing the global impact of wetland destruction on climate change. Kauda emphasized behavioral change and community empowerment as key strategies for wetland conservation.
Timothy Mugerwa from Green Climate Campaign Africa stressed the shared responsibility of all community members in conserving wetlands. The organization has initiated a comprehensive sensitization campaign, engaging village leaders and leaders at all levels to discourage actions harmful to wetlands.
The campaign’s launch at Mlex Hotel in Maya featured Teddy Nambooze, the Mpigi Woman MP, as the guest of honor. Nambooze commended the environmental activists for their efforts and pledged to collaborate with CBOs to raise awareness about wetland conservation. She also urged the government to empower the Environmental Protection Police to address encroachment issues and enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities.
Various stakeholders called on the government to rein in agencies like the National Environmental Management Authority, emphasizing the need to regulate the issuance of operating certificates to investors constructing factories in wetlands.
