Goverment starts demarcation of Kitagwenda wetlands
Ministry of Water and Environment has started demarcating wetlands in Kitagwenda district.
The exercise started with three wetlands of Kyarutanga, Kanunka and Ruhagura all found in Kabujogera Town council.
Speaking at the launch of the demarcation exercise at Kyarutanga wetland, Lucy Iyango, the acting commissioner for wetland management under the water and environment ministry said demarcation of wetland boundaries was part of interventions by the government to secure wetlands in the country and restore their integrity.
Iyango added that the management of natural resources is the responsibility of local governments, saying the ministry comes in to provide technical support.
She also urged the district leadership to work with communities and all the stakeholders involved in the fight against wetlands degradation to ensure a consolidated effort and approach towards wetland conservation.
Anthony Kalyegira, the district senior environment officer revealed that Kitagwenda district has 46 wetlands, all of which are heavily encroached on and degraded by human activities.
Joseph Byabagambi Ruhweza, the Mayor Kabujogera Town council said the demarcation would help in the restoration of the swamps.
Afai Sylvano, the western regional wetlands coordinator and project manager, said the exercise is not about grabbing anybody’s land, but to show the communities where unauthorized human activities must stop.
Hanifa Asasira, a resident of Kabujogera town, said many women depend on the wetland to get materials for making handicrafts, from which they earn a living. Asasira added that however, the demarcation would ensure sustainable use of swamps.
