By Ganzi Muhanguzi

OVER 72% of forest reserves in northern Uganda have been destroyed by internally displaced people (IDPs) returning to their villages, environment state minister has said.

Jessica Eriyo noted that the destruction of wetlands in Teso and Karamoja sub-regions would lead to grave climate changes and desertification.

During the annual district environment officers’ conference at Ridar Hotel in Seeta last week, the minister warned of more environment degradation as peace returns to the north.

“The former IDPs need sensitisation on sustainable resource use,” she said.

She cited Wicheri Forest Reserve in Amuru district as one of the forests being destroyed by IDPs, adding that attempts by the National Forest Authority to sensitise the locals on preserving the reserve were futile.

“We could not agree with the locals because they said their MPs were discouraging them from conserving the forests.”

Eriyo said even the sub-county LC3 chairman was blocked from going to the forest reserve to encourage conservation.

As a means of curbing the rampant degradation of the environment, Eriyo said her ministry would harmonise district environmental objectives with those of the ministry, ensure effective use of wetlands and improve the management of natural resources.