All encroachers within the wetlands of Obongi district have been given one week to vacate these areas, or they risk being forcefully evicted.
According to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi, Mr. Hasaka, the Obongi district security committee has resolved that all encroachers must be evicted and dealt with according to the rule of law, in addition to an executive order issued by the President of the Republic of Uganda, General Yoweri Museveni Kaguta.
The security committee, chaired by RDC Mr. Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, resolved to adopt the directive recently issued by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The District Chairman of Obongi, Honorable Abibu Khemis Buga, along with RDC Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka and the technical team, have been conducting awareness campaigns to inform the public about the executive order aimed at protecting the environment and wetlands.
However, some individuals, especially in Palorinya sub-county, have persistently been constructing permanent houses within wetland areas, risking demolition as per the rule of law and Executive Order No. 3 issued by the President.
Obongi district is surrounded by the River Nile and has been experiencing flooding due to encroachment on wetlands.
During the 61st Independence Day celebrations for Obongi district held last week in Aliba sub-county, the Resident District Commissioner, Hasaka, directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and District Police Commander (DPC) to implement the presidential directive by evicting all wetland encroachers.
The District Environment Officer of Obongi was unavailable for comment, as his known phone number was unreachable at the time of compiling this report.
A 49-year-old resident from Palorinya Sub-County, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed full support for President Museveni’s Executive Order No. 3. He mentioned that people were recently sensitized by district officials, and some individuals have intentionally refused to leave the wetlands voluntarily.
President Yoweri Museveni recently issued three executive orders to RDCs and RCCs, addressing issues related to wetlands, charcoal trade, and Balalo pastoralists.
