Kanungu residents asked to vacate wetlands

By: T. Mwajuma Twaha Adams

Vacate wetlands and benefit from Caritas. Today one group from Nyaruhungye village Nyamirama Sub-County in Kanungu district that has opted to vacate Ntungwa wetlands has received a sewing machine from Caritas.

Ambrose A. Mwesigye called upon all people who are in the wetland to vacate it a soon as possible. He added that according to the National environment act amended in 2019 no one is allowed to live in the wetland this is in line with the National wetlands, riverbanks and lakeshore management regulations.

“The Uganda National Wetlands Policy aims at promoting the conservation of Uganda’s wetlands in order to sustain their ecological and socioeconomic values for the present and future wellbeing of the people.” He said.

Mwongyera Henry District Vice Chairperson reminded the residents that the call to vacate wetlands has been on going and people are still being requested but he is sure that with time force will apply thus calling them to vacate before force is used.

Mwongyera feels sorry for those who has no other lands but only the wetland land.

” There are many opportunities one can get in wetland areas and the district is ready to exploite those opportunities.

Madam Mutahakana Gatrude pleaded with residents not to force the government to use the long hand in chasing them from the wetland.

She is optimistic that when they vacate the wetland they can use it for other income generating business like rearing bees.

Mutahakana requested residents to be very co- operative and not to disappoint the government. She assured them that together they will get a solution reminding them that the government has no compasation.

In presence was Mutahakana Gatrude Principal Assistant Secretary who represented CAO, District Natural Resource Officer Agaba George, LCiii Chairperson, Sub-County Chief, Giso, Caritas representative and LCi chairperson’s of Mashoko and Kaniabizo village.