Kanungu: In a significant community meeting held recently, at Kyabahanga Bridge in Mashako Village, Nyamirama Sub- County in Kanungu district where the restoration project was recently launched by the area Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Ambrose Mwesigye, local government leaders urged the prioritization of environmental conservation while avoiding personal gains.
The meeting, chaired by Kanungu District Speaker Frank Byaruhanga, aimed to address pressing concerns regarding wetland demarcation and its impact on residents.
Community Concerns over Wetland Demarcation
The council’s visit to the Nyamirama wetland followed complaints from residents who are facing eviction threats due to the ongoing demarcation efforts.
Leaders emphasized the need for transparency and accountability among those involved in the demarcation process, criticizing individuals who exploit the situation for personal benefit.
Residents voiced frustrations over perceived corruption in the demarcation process, which has led to unfair land loss. Many have lost crops without receiving promised compensation or alternative livelihood support from the government.
District Chairperson’s Remarks
Eng. Sam Arinaitwe Kajojo, the District Chairperson, expressed gratitude for the community’s engagement. He reiterated President Yoweri Museveni’s guidance regarding wetland restoration, specifically mentioning regions like Kigezi, Bukedea and Busoga. Kajojo emphasized that residents should not be forcibly removed without compensation.
He shared insights from a recent meeting in Kabale, where discussions with NEMA’s Executive Director Dr. Kankwasa focused on community engagement and finding sustainable solutions for residents affected by wetland restoration efforts. Kajojo encouraged locals to explore alternative livelihoods such as fish farming and bee-keeping to make effective use of wetland resources.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Solutions
Speaker Byaruhanga welcomed participants and acknowledged the commitment of all stakeholders, including technical teams and residents from Nyamirama and Rukungiri. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among local leaders to address environmental challenges.
The council had previously engaged in discussions with Operation Wealth Creation and other governmental bodies, resulting in recommendations aimed at protecting wetlands and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Presidential Support and Future Plans
President Museveni’s focus on environmental conservation was a recurring theme during the meeting. Byaruhanga noted that the President recognizes the historical context of wetland usage in Kigezi and has promised special consideration for affected residents.
Over Shs20billion for irrigation schemes to support agricultural productivity across five Sub-counties has been allocated by Minister of Agriculture. This initiative aims to mitigate the adverse effects of wetland restoration by ensuring continuous access to water for farming.
Action Steps and Community Involvement
In response to the issues raised, the council has mandated local leaders to compile reports detailing the impacts of demarcation on residents.
Byaruhanga urged residents to actively protect natural resources and assured them that the council’s position on the ongoing NEMA visit would be communicated soon.
Agricultural Initiatives and Wetland Restoration
Agaba George, the Acting District Natural Resource Officer for Kanungu, addressed the community regarding the wetland restoration and the district’s agricultural initiatives funded by the Government of Uganda’s Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Funding and Project Overview
Kanungu has received Shs145,841,000= to implement various activities throughout 2024. These initiatives will focus on:
-Procurement of Seed Varieties: Support for 65 women in the community who previously depended on the wetland for cultivation.
– Local Livestock Acquisition: Allocation of Shs50million shillings for the procurement of local cattle, goats, and pigs. This decision addresses community concerns about livestock brought from outside Kanungu, which allegedly introduced strange diseases leading to significant livestock loss.
Targeted Implementation
The project will initially target 10 villages and include efforts to restore and demarcate wetlands using concrete pillars. Additionally, there will be a registration process for former wetland users to ensure ongoing livelihood support.
Mwajuma Twaha Adams
District Communications Officer, Kanungu District Local Government. End
