Buganda Kingdom has commemorated Environment Day in Kyaggwe County at Mother Kevin College, Mabira, under the theme: “Enhancing Environmental Protection in Response to Climate Change and for Our Well-being.”
The Speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko, Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, was the chief guest and delivered a message on behalf of the Katikkiro.
In his message, the Katikkiro expressed concern over the growing problem of plastic waste and other non-biodegradable materials, noting that they continue to block water channels and damage the environment.
“Today, in both urban and rural areas, plastic waste and other non-biodegradable materials are clogging water channels, leading to soil degradation and posing dangers to animals and human life. These challenges are worsened by poor waste segregation and disposal practices.”
The Katikkiro emphasized that the environment is a gift from God and remains the foundation of livelihoods and economic activity.
“God entrusted us with a beautiful environment, which is the source of our wealth. Many of the economic activities that sustain people depend directly on the environment.”
He further noted that the Buganda Kingdom recognizes the environment as a source of life and an important pillar of Buganda’s culture and heritage.
“Our clans are derived from animals and plants. Rivers, forests, hills, and other natural resources are valuable to us, and we have a responsibility to protect them for future generations.”
The Katikkiro highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom to conserve the environment, including the establishment of the Kabaka’s forest, promotion of indigenous tree planting, protection of lakes, rivers and wetlands, the Kyusa Enfumba Yo clean cooking campaign, promotion of proper waste management practices, efforts to improve access to clean water, and construction of decent housing for vulnerable communities.
The Minister for Environment and Human Development, Mariam Nkalubo Mayanja, blamed environmental degradation largely on human activities such as encroachment on wetlands and blocking drainage channels.
“People must raise their commitment to environmental conservation by planting trees they can nurture, protecting wetlands, and properly separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.”
She also called upon National Environment Management Authority to strengthen enforcement of environmental laws and investigate the continued sand mining in water bodies, which she said has contributed to the destruction of aquatic life.
Meanwhile, Kyaggwe County Chief, Vincent Matovu, informed the Katikkiro about a planned tree-planting project covering two and a half acres that stalled due to land-related challenges. He encouraged other counties to adopt similar initiatives to expand environmental conservation efforts across Buganda.
The event also featured performances by students from various schools, who presented songs and poems celebrating the environment and promoting its protection