A total of 53 cows, 52 goats, and 67 sheep, valued at 193,950,000 Ugandan shillings, were today given to residents of Kirundo, Nyundo, and Rubuguri sub-counties by the Government of Uganda in partnership with the Green Climate Fund and UNDP. This initiative aims to compensate those who were displaced from wetlands during a restoration project that began in 2017.
The restored wetlands include Mishishi and Gichuba in Kirundo sub-county, Nyarutovu in Nyundo sub-county, and Mukahimbi and Kashasha wetlands in Rubuguri town council.
Judith Muja, the Kisoro District Senior Environment Officer, revealed that 700 wetland users were initially documented, and 296 people were ultimately verified as having been affected.
She noted that the chosen livelihoods were based on the people’s interests and their ability to care for them. The first delivery of livestock was specifically for those who left the Mishishi wetland in Rubuguri and Kirundo.
Dr. Masembe Kamarachi emphasized that the provided livestock is not meant to be an exact equivalent to what the beneficiaries previously obtained from the wetlands. Instead, it is an alternative livelihood option. He encouraged the beneficiaries to care for the animals and utilize them for income generation, such as selling them or using them for dowry.
Kisoro District LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana thanked the funders for fulfilling their pledge to compensate those who had vacated the wetlands. He urged those who are still occupying the wetlands to respect government directives, which will enable the district to continue lobbying for their support.
Meanwhile, Kisoro District Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Rukundo Manasi praised the restoration project and the efforts of the Environment Office in conducting community sensitization.
He urged stakeholders to continue engaging in such community outreach programs without forcibly evicting people from wetlands. This collaborative approach will be crucial for effective environmental conservation.
