Uganda’s Push for Wetland Conservation: NEMA Urges Residents to Relocate
By The Public Lens
The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has launched a massive sensitization campaign, urging residents living in wetland areas of Owoko quarter, Luzira parish, Nakawa division, in Kampala to vacate the premises.
This move is part of the government’s broader commitment to conserve wetlands and the environment through restoration of all wetland catchment areas in Uganda.
Emmanuel Busobozi, NEMA’s Principal Environmental Officer, met with Luzira village residents on Monday, October 7, 2024, to emphasize the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
Busobozi explained the laws governing wetlands in Uganda, highlighting their significance in maintaining cultural and spiritual aspects of communities.
The upcoming wetland restoration exercise will focus on Luzira villages 1-9 and 10, as well as neighboring areas of Bugolobi and Kitintale in the Nakawa division.
“Wetlands are crucial for our cultural identity and heritage,” Busobozi stressed. “Their destruction would lead to the loss of traditional practices and heritage sites.”
The restoration effort aligns with the government’s goal to increase forestry coverage to at least 50% by 2026, promoting renewable energy and reducing pressure on natural forests.
NEMA aims to raise public awareness and enforce protection measures for wetlands, as over 64% of Uganda’s wetlands have been depleted or encroached upon.
The authority seeks to safeguard these vital ecosystems, which support biodiversity, regulate water flow, and mitigate climate change.
By relocating residents and restoring wetlands, Uganda takes a crucial step towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
