School nature clubs fighting wetland encroachment

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Climate change, population growth, urbanisation and other unsustainable and non-eco-friendly human activities are conspiring to threaten wetland survival. These threats are causing them to disappear at an alarming rate in Uganda, calling for their preservation.

So, in a demonstration of youth-led environmental action, school nature clubs are taking a stand against the encroachment of wetlands, one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. 

Spearheaded by students and supported by organisations like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), these young conservationists are not only raising awareness but also actively working to protect and restore wetlands.

This development was revealed during celebrations marking World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2025, in Rubirizi district's Katerera sub-county. The event graced by Vice-President Jessica Alupo representing President Yoweri Museveni, underscored the critical role young people are playing in combatting climate change and environmental degradation.

Amelia Nyakata Ngabirano, an S3 student at Kichwamba High School and a representative of her peers, said she was passionate about conservation. She explained how the devastating effects of climate change—floods, prolonged droughts, and landslides—prompted her and fellow students to form nature clubs. These clubs, according to her, have embarked on initiatives such as tree planting, community education and advocacy for wetland conservation.

"WWF has been instrumental in empowering us to take action," Amelia said. "We are doing this because we understand that the consequences of today’s environmental destruction will fall on our shoulders tomorrow."

Empowering the youth

Ali Happy, the spokesperson of WWF Uganda, said over the years, WWF has funded and empowered nature clubs in 35 schools across five districts in western Uganda, including Rubirizi, Kasese, Bunyangabu, Kabarole and Ntoroko. These clubs are part of a global campaign to combat climate change and protect ecosystems.

Ali Happy, the WWF communications officer saying that they intend to engage young people to be at the front of the environment conservation efforts since climate change effect could cripple them in future. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

"The destruction of wetlands and the environment is happening now, but its impacts will cripple the future," Ali said. "That’s why we are engaging young people to lead conservation efforts. They are the ones who will inherit this planet, and their actions today will shape tomorrow."

Government and community efforts

Water ministry commissioner wetlands David Okurutu praised the collaborative efforts of development partners, civil society, and local governments in wetland conservation. He highlighted achievements such as the gazettement of 8,614 wetlands, the restoration of 55,149 hectares of degraded wetlands, and the submission of 330 land titles for cancellation to prevent further encroachment.

"Over 20,610 households living near wetlands have also received livelihood support to reduce their dependence on these fragile ecosystems," David added, underscoring the importance of balancing conservation with community needs.

Museveni's wakeup call

In a message delivered by Vice-President Jessica Alupo, President Museveni urged the public to recognise the global urgency of climate change and its devastating impacts. He called on wetland encroachers to cease their activities and allow these ecosystems to perform their natural functions, such as regulating water levels, supporting rainfall patterns, and providing habitats for wildlife.

The President also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to environmental restoration, including the establishment of an environmental protection police unit and the approval of a 10-year Environment and Natural Resources Restoration Action Plan. This plan aligns with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and aims to increase Uganda’s wetland coverage from 9.8% to 12% by 2040.

"Thanks to these efforts, Uganda’s wetlands are showing signs of recovery, with intact coverage rising from 8.9% in 2015 to 9.8% today," Museveni noted. "But we must do more. The future of our environment depends on the actions we take now."