As Lubigi Wetland evictees receive compassion from businessman Hassan Bulwadda, who generously donated 5 acres of land in Mityana District for them to resettle, Dr. Barirega Akankwasa, Executive Director of the National Environmental Management Authority, has dismissed the claims of wetland encroachers who allege they were evicted without prior notice.
Addressing the media today June 24, 2024, at the Uganda Media Center, Barirega has displayed a lack of empathy and firmly stated that encroaching on wetlands is a criminal offense punishable by up to 12 years of imprisonment or a fine of 600 million Ugandan shillings. He revealed that a total of 214 households have already been evicted, with another 101 households set to follow suit, bringing the total number of mapped households issued restoration orders to 315.
“Don’t be taken by those claiming to be bornfide occupants for over 60-40years in the wetland areas like lubigi, they are peddling for sympathy and the law doesnt protect them, they have been warned to vacate the wetlands.” Barirega emphasized.
He further clarified that the government will not provide compensation to those evicted, as restoration orders were issued to them prior to the eviction process. He emphasized that individuals have 21 days to appeal, yet no appeals have been lodged, indicating that falsehoods are being spread to garner sympathy.
Barirega has noted the importance of wetlands, citing their role in scientific research, rainfall generation (with 40% of Uganda’s rainfall originating in wetlands), and biodiversity conservation, serving as habitats for various endangered species like the crested crane, butterflies, bats, reptiles, and amphibians, among others.
To curb further wetland depletion in Uganda, Barirega announced that the government made a decision, effective September 21, 2021, through the National Environment Management Authority, to indefinitely halt the issuance of licenses and permits for developments in wetlands, except for critical public infrastructure projects like railway construction, pipelines, and telecommunications infrastructure, subject to environmental and social impact assessments.
He has highlighted ongoing efforts to reclaim wetlands nationwide, including recent operations in Lubigi (Wakiso District), Lwera, Lilindo (Rukungiri District), Akandoti (Kumi District), Knyabukanja (Buweju District), and Kyle (Kole District), among others.
Barirega has also emphasized that in 1994, Uganda’s wetland coverage stood at 15.6% of the total land area, which had decreased to 13% by 2019, with only 8.9% remaining intact and the remainder degraded. “We are facing significant pressure and a high rate of wetland loss, which poses a threat to our very existence as a human race,” he added.
Barirega underscored the importance of environmental preservation as a fundamental aspect of human welfare and societal economic advancement, urging all individuals to take responsibility for safeguarding the environment without needing to be prompted.
