Bugweri district, NEMA clash over wetland development

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Despite Bugweri district's plans to develop a 31-hectare stretch of swamp along the Iganga-Tororo highway, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has blocked the move.

William Makune, Bugweri's chief administrative officer, explained to New Vision on Wednesday, February 20, that locals have been planting rice in the wetland every season, leading the district to consider commercialising the venture.

Makune further stated that the local government had issued a public notice on 8 February, inviting potential developers to rent both the Nabukolyo local forest reserve and the marshland in Ibaako village. The notice called for applications to be submitted by February 18.

A child plants rice with his father at Nabukolyo swamp in Ibaako village, Bugweri district. (PHOTO BY GEORGE BITA)

Irene Ssajabi, a local rice grower, questioned why the district was seeking partnerships with developers when the wetland was already being used by villagers. “I think the best solution would be maintaining the status quo. As rice growers, we pay revenue in taxation to the sub-county, which is part of Bugweri district local government,” Ssajabi said.

Rachael Magoola, the district's woman MP, emphasised that her constituents had long benefited from this swamp. 

“During the first planting season of the year, which begins in March, most of the marshland is filled with food crops like rice, maize, and potatoes. However, people need to be reminded that this stretch belongs to the government,” Magoola pointed out.

President Yoweri Museveni recently directed all people farming in wetlands to vacate in order to restore the natural ecosystem of these areas.

David Okurut, commissioner of the wetlands management department at the Ministry of Water and Environment, stated that the Bugweri local government lacked the authority to develop a wetland. 

“It is the Ministry of Water and Environment's responsibility to conserve Uganda’s natural resources for the population and future generations. Our duty is to maintain and conserve nature,” Okurut said.

He warned against draining this crucial wetland/forest reserve for rice cultivation, whether for domestic or commercial purposes. 

“Such a move by Bugweri district poses a serious threat to the conservation efforts achieved so far. I have instructed the local authorities to suspend all activities that could compromise the hydrological and ecological integrity of this vital resource,” Okurut added.

George Wamunga, regional wetlands manager for eastern Uganda, confirmed that he had been tasked by the Ministry of Water and Environment to assess the status of the affected swamp as soon as possible.