Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa

      The retired Bishop of Masaka Diocese, John Baptist Kaggwa has tasked the government to enforce laws that protect and preserve the environment.

He said wetlands have been destroyed due to drainage, farming, and housing.

Nearly two-thirds of the wetlands in Masaka and the country at large have been destroyed mostly by rice farming.

“Destruction of wetlands has led to an increase of floods and drought, nutrient runoff, water pollution and decline in the wildlife population. It is also harmful to our region’s economy,” he said.

The prelate was delivering his homily during a holy mass he led at St Theresa Primary Kisubi in Wakiso district recently. At the same function, he confirmed 420 pupils.   



Retired Bishop of Masaka diocese

 

He stated that property developers have drained wetlands to make way to their farmlands, homes, and industrial complexes.

However, he applauded Wakiso district chairman, Matia Lwanga Bwanika and other officials for fighting against waste dumping into the swamps and also retrieving surrounding swamps.

Lwera wetland was one of the few beautiful sites in Uganda; unfortunately, it is now a rice plantation.

The Bishop said unless swamp protection is addressed, it is bound to pose dangerous long-term effects to the country.

He suggested that caring for the environment should be added to Christian works of mercy such as feeding the hungry and visiting the sick.

“Ugandans need to be sensitized about preserving the environment so that they stop practicing acts of environmental destruction like burning charcoal and building in the wetlands among others,” he emphasised.