Jopadhola cultural leader launches conservation drive

Jopadhola cultural leader Moses Stephen Owori has launched an environment conservation drive and asked his subjects to embrace the campaign with an open heart.

Owori called upon the clan leaders to spearhead the campaign by ensuring that natural resources, including swamps and forest reserves within their areas of jurisdiction, are protected from encroachment.

While launching the campaign on Monday, Owori expressed dismay over the rate at which traditional trees especially the mvule trees, have been destroyed.

Jopadhola cultural leader Moses Stephen Owori (right) holding a tree before he planted it. (Photo by Faustine Odeke)

Owori made the call during an interaction with UMOJA Conservation Trust, which seeks to promote the Jopadhola green economy by taking the lead to save the environment.

Toshi Bwana Bryan from the trust said they are going to work closely with Tororo district local government and the cultural institution to plant trees with the purpose of promoting a green environment and restoring the lost natural beauty.

Toshi requested the Tieng Adhola Cultural Institutions and Iteso Cultural Union to provide land that will be used to establish botanical gardens, which will also act as research centres in environmental conservation.

Tororo district council speaker Betty Andera Cheria said her council is spearheading the campaign by creating awareness within the communities regarding the dangers of environmental degradation.

Andera said most people, especially women, are now suffering from various illnesses due to the result of inhaling smoke and eating half-cooked food boiled using maize stalks which are now used as firewood.

‘’We reaffirm our commitment to closely work with the cultural institutions to rally our people to preserve the environment. My council will soon come up with a bylaw to that effect to save the future generations," Andera said.