MASINDI, Uganda – Authorities in Masindi district have issued a stern warning against encroaching, cultivating, and degrading wetlands, particularly in Rubona Cell, Buliima Town Council. The warning came during a sensitization meeting and the launch of the Musomo Wetland restoration efforts, held at Rubona Trading Centre on Thursday.
Olivia Nabukenya, the Masindi District Environment Officer, urged residents, especially those currently cultivating in wetlands, to vacate these areas. She advised them to instead engage in environmentally friendly activities such as beekeeping and fish farming.
Nabukenya clarified that the intention is not to displace residents from wetlands but to restore these vital ecosystems for future generations. She also mentioned plans to encourage the Buliima Town Council executive to enact a by-law specifically prohibiting wetland degradation.
She appealed to those cultivating in wetlands to comply, noting that failure to do so could lead to arrest and prosecution in courts of law.
Ecika Yafesi, an officer with the Environmental Protection Police Unit Albertine Region, reinforced the message, stating that anyone found cultivating in wetlands and forest reserves would face legal action.
Residents who attended the meeting largely welcomed the initiative, pledging their cooperation in vacating and restoring the wetlands. Isaac Kasanga, the LC1 Chairperson for Rubona Village, noted that local residents have attempted to conserve the wetlands, but they face challenges from encroachers and intruders.
