Authorities in Soroti District have raised concern over the alarming rate of environmental degradation, particularly the depletion of swamps and widespread tree cutting in the Awoja Catchment area under the Bisina Basin.
The destruction, driven by commercial firewood collection, is threatening the region’s ecosystem and livelihoods.
Swamps surrounding Awoja have become a primary source of firewood for traders supplying neighboring districts, including Katakwi, Ngora, Soroti, and Kumi.
The situation has escalated, with an estimated 5,000 trees being cut down daily in areas such as Gweri Sub-County, Awukot, and Awaliwal.
In response, Soroti District officials have launched urgent interventions to mitigate the damage.
On Thursday, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Paul Eseru led a team to patrol the affected areas and announced stringent regulations to curb further destruction.
“The depletion of the swamps has largely been driven by locals engaged in commercial firewood collection, a practice that has expanded rapidly due to growing demand in nearby districts. Swamp reclamation, bush burning, and tree cutting have further exacerbated the problem, leading to significant environmental degradation in the region,” Eseru said.
Environmental experts warn that the ongoing destruction could have devastating long-term effects. Soroti District Environment Officer Sam Peter Echengu noted that the impacts of continued tree cutting are already visible.
“If swift action is not taken to halt this destruction, the consequences for the local communities and the ecosystem will be devastating. We are already seeing signs of climate change impacts, such as droughts and erratic rainfall, which will only worsen if we allow this trend to continue,” he warned.
The Awoja Catchment area plays a crucial role in water retention, biodiversity preservation, and climate regulation.
However, rapid vegetation loss threatens this balance, leading to soil erosion, reduced water quality, and loss of wildlife habitats. Thousands of residents who rely on the ecosystem for farming, fishing, and other activities now face increased risks.
To counter the crisis, Soroti District authorities have launched mass sensitization campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of environmental degradation and promote sustainable practices.
The district has also introduced a ban on firewood collection and imposed strict restrictions on swamp reclamation and bush burning.
RDC Paul Eseru emphasized that enforcement would take immediate effect, warning of severe penalties for violators.
“We must act now to protect our environment and ensure that future generations can continue to rely on these natural resources. We will not hesitate to take strong action against anyone who disregards these new rules,” he stated.
In addition to enforcement, the district is working closely with environmental organizations on tree-planting initiatives and swamp restoration projects aimed at rehabilitating affected areas.
Authorities are also exploring alternative, sustainable livelihoods for those involved in destructive activities.
The crisis in Soroti reflects a broader environmental challenge facing Uganda and the world.
Activities such as deforestation, swamp reclamation, and bush burning continue to contribute to climate change, resulting in harsher conditions, including droughts and floods.
Experts warn that without urgent action, these impacts will only intensify.
Soroti’s decisive steps in tackling environmental degradation mark a significant effort in conservation.
However, success will depend on the cooperation of local communities, authorities, and stakeholders.
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, Soroti’s actions serve as a crucial reminder of the need to protect natural resources for future generations.