As managers of wetlands, we are handling what we think is a precious asset, but many people consider wetlands as “wastelands.” 

Wetlands have become dumping grounds for all sorts of things, including waste.

Also, several people will say a wetland is being reclaimed, which gives the destruction of wetlands a positive face, yet such actions are gravely undermining the sustainability of our country. There is a big challenge with the mindset of the population. This is why we need continuous awareness concerning wetlands and their sustainable use.

The wetlands offer goods and ecological services, which are important for sustained livelihoods and promoting industrialisation. What would happen if there were no wetlands? There would be no life.

David Okurut is the Commissioner Wetlands Management Department. Courtesy photo

President Yoweri Museveni refers to wetlands as “water granaries”. I agree with him regarding wetlands and the management of the environment.

As we celebrate Uganda’s Liberation Day under the theme Building the Uganda we cherish, it is important to reflect on the critical role wetlands play, the achievements in the wetland sector and outstanding challenges.

I must say that the Department of Water and Environment has made tremendous achievements towards the restoration of wetlands. As far back as 1995, we made an assessment, which revealed that Uganda had 15.6% of its land covered by wetlands. 

Uganda had lost 2.5% of its wetlands. By 2015, Uganda’s wetland cover had declined from 15.6% to only 8.9%. This wetland destruction was a big loss.

A restoration programme to increase wetland cover, reverse wetland degradation, and manage wetlands has been put in place.

As of now, wetland cover has been increasing, and we hope to recover from the loss by the year 2030. So far, the wetlands cover has increased from 8.9% to 9.3%. This has been reflected in the increase in domestic water supplies. 

In addition, there has been an improvement in the supply of materials, fish, and biodiversity. The Ministry of Water and Environment is also taking steps to improve the sustainable use of wetlands. We are going to overcome the loss of wetlands because we are making significant progress in our restoration efforts.

The ministry is in the process of developing a wetland strategic plan for 2024–2030 to increase awareness of the state of wetland degradation and to strengthen instructional collaboration, including with local government.

Why the destruction of wetlands?

There are many drivers of wetland degradation. One of them stems from poverty. Most people derive a livelihood from agriculture. The pressure is to convert wetlands into farmland. People have gone to wetlands to construct houses. 

There is also an uncoordinated movement of conservation agencies or institutions, which are custodians of environmental resources. The mandate over wetlands is shared by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and the lands ministry. 

This is the malaise that we have in parts of Kampala, Greater Kampala, and other urban areas.

We also have districts, where decisions are being taken with the support of environmental committees or wetland management committees. We have seen illegal construction in wetlands taking place, even in upcountry areas.

Though we have seen awareness spread across the country, destruction continues.

The hydrological functions of wetlands are being undermined. The wetland recharge underground water system is widely referred to as aquifers. The water bodies are connected to these systems.

Once you destroy the aquifers, they will also disappear, and the lives of the people who depend on them will also suffer. The fisheries, the natural resource-based economy, and industrialisation will also suffer. What we call hydroelectric power relies on nature, and it will be greatly affected. There is cause for fear when a wetland disappears or when a forest is destroyed. 

We depend on interconnected systems. The people who are destroying the environment should be seen as “eco-terrorists.”

Climate change is an opportunity, as well as a crisis. Once wetlands have been converted, they contribute to climate change.

Also, once wetlands are exposed, they release emissions that contribute to climate change.

Managing

How do we manage peatlands under wetlands? Wetlands are important in the rain cycle. As a department, we are leveraging peat and making a positive contribution to the fight against climate change.

Our main goal is to increase wetland cover. All assessments done will be executed to play their roles in preventing siltation.

As we celebrate Liberation Day, we need to appreciate our wetlands. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the people who live in the vicinity of wetlands to protect them.

The communities around the wetlands will suffer the most as a result of wetland degradation. Let us work together as stakeholders to conserve wetlands. It would help if you remember that united we stand, divided we fall. We should unite in building the Uganda that we cherish.

Wetland Act

Interventions by any ministry must be backed by the law. The wetlands did not have a specific law and we have been working with the National Environment Management Act. What I can say is that we have principles that have been approved for the proposed Wetland Bill.

As we take steps to put our house in order, the country has 12 Ramsar sites, which have been recognised globally as critical sites for the conservation and sustainable use of resources.

It is important to note that some of the Ramsar sites are key biodiversity hotspots, and some are being harnessed through eco-tourism, contributing to the creation of better livelihoods for the communities in their vicinity.

Once the strategic plan and the law are in place, we shall protect the wetlands. We have gazetted all wetlands across the country.

Compiled by Gerald Tenywa

The writer is Commissioner Wetlands Management Department