Don't destroy wetlands, minister tells locals in Kibuku

The minister for Water and Environment, Sam Cheptoris has issued a stern warning to locals in Eastern Uganda not to encroach on wetlands.

Cheptoris made the remarks during the commissioning of a piped safe water project in Kibuku district yesterday.

He expressed concern over the continued encroachment of wetlands, especially Mpologoma swamp, by community in Kyoga basin despite memorandum of understanding with the community to end the vice.

The minister attributed the problem to political incitement.

He noted that some area leaders had pleaded for the release of the culprits who were arrested for encroaching on Mpologoma wetland.

Cheptoris said government will provide an alternative livelihood for people who depend on wetlands.

He also warned against the dangers of degrading the wetlands adding that no one will be allowed to tamper with them.

Mpologoma swamp is a significant water catchment area in eastern ecosystem.

Many farmers have turned to the swamp for rice growing, a move that has degraded it to near extinction.

In 2017, government embarked on Mpologoma wetland regeneration initiative which was followed by a memorandum of understanding with the rice growers to vacate the land with a promise of alternative livelihood such as fish ponds and irrigation.

Several irrigation projects have so far been established in the area.