The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has embarked on a mass sensitization exercise of people living around wetland areas in Owoko quarter, Luzira parish, Nakawa division, in Kampala.
Emmanuel Busobozi, the NEMA Principal Environmental Officer while meeting residents of Luzira village on Monday, October 7, 2024, noted that this move comes as a result of the government’s commitment to sustainably conserve the wetlands and the environment through the restoration of all wetland catchment areas in Uganda.
During the engagement, Busobozi guided residents on the laws that govern wetlands in Uganda.
NEMA is set to conduct a wetland restoration exercise in Luzira villages 1-9 and 10. The operation will also cover other neighboring areas of Bugolobi and Kitintale in the Nakawa division.
“Wetlands help in upholding cultural and spiritual aspects of our communities; hence, their destruction will lead to the loss of traditional practices, heritage sites, and cultural identity,” Busobozi said.
The wetland restoration exercise follows the government’s plan to recover forestry coverage to at least 50% by 2026 to increase the use of renewable energy by reducing the pressure on natural forests.
NEMA further aims to enhance public awareness and enforcement of protection measures for wetlands, as the majority of the wetlands in Uganda are encroached on for settlement, agriculture, and industrial development.
According to NEMA Over 64% of Uganda’s wetlands have been depleted or encroached on, which calls for government intervention in conserving the environment.