Environmentalists and local authorities in Kamwenge district have raised concerns over the rapid degradation of wetlands in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, where more than 300 people have encroached on these fragile ecosystems.
Speaking during belated World Wetlands Day celebrations on Thursday, Apollo Saturday, the SOS Children’s Village Uganda Project Manager, revealed the alarming decline of wetland coverage in the settlement.
“In 2020, we had 2,113 acres of wetlands intact, but today, only 1,524 acres remain. This sharp decrease is a serious threat to biodiversity, water sources, and climate resilience in the area,” said Apollo.
Wetlands are critical for sustaining livelihoods, filtering water, and supporting agriculture. However, growing pressure from human settlement, farming, and construction has put these ecosystems at risk.
Dominic Awooli, the Nkoma-Kataryeba Town Council Environment Officer, urged residents to take responsibility for conservation efforts.
“We call upon the public to report any cases of wetland degradation to the relevant authorities, including local leaders and the Office of the Prime Minister. Protecting wetlands is a shared responsibility,” he emphasized.
The town council’s Agriculture Officer, Medy Owoyesigire, echoed this message, highlighting the broader benefits of wetland conservation.
“Wetlands are crucial for food security, water conservation, and climate regulation. If we destroy them, we are harming ourselves,” Owoyesigire warned.
SOS Children’s Villages: A Commitment to Conservation
With funding from the Australian government, SOS Children’s Villages Uganda has been at the forefront of sensitizing communities about environmental conservation.
Their efforts include educating children and families on the importance of protecting wetlands, planting trees, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Beyond environmental advocacy, SOS Children’s Villages provides a safe and nurturing home for orphaned and abandoned children in Uganda.
Established in 1991 in Kakiri village, Wakiso District, the organization now runs programs in Entebbe, Gulu, Fort Portal, and Kamwenge.
“At SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, we strive to give children a sense of belonging, providing them with shelter, education, healthcare, and emotional support,” said Apollo.
As the wetland crisis unfolds in Rwamwanja, local leaders, environmentalists, and humanitarian organizations are rallying to protect what remains. With increased awareness, policy enforcement, and community action, they hope to reverse the trend and safeguard these ecosystems for future generations.
“Everyone has a role to play. If we work together, we can restore and protect our wetlands,” Awooli noted.