Kadaga blasts activists over environmental degradation

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has lashed out at environmental activists for failing to walk the talk on protecting the environment.

Kadaga said despite the many campaigns by Ugandan activists to save the environment, no mark has been made, thus the continued destruction of natural resources.

"I get frustrated that we talk about environmental degradation but nothing is done," she said.

Kadaga made the remarks during the national conference on youth participation and contribution towards the Climate Change Bill 2020 on Monday. The Bill is currently before Parliament.

The Speaker said as part of the efforts to protect the environment, Parliament has been at the forefront of promoting the campaign for tree planting across the country.

She implored environmental activists, especially the youth, to champion the campaign on tree planting, saying it is the only way Uganda can be saved from climate change.

"When you graduate, get married or get babies, plant a tree. One should make all land marks in their lives by planting a tree. When you go to a new country, you have to leave a legacy by planting a tree," Kadaga said.

MURCHISON FALLS DAM
To save Uganda's environment and tourism, Kadaga also said Parliament had rejected a move by the Government to construct a 360MW hydro power dam at Uhuru Falls, on the country's biggest tourist attraction in Murchison Falls National Park.

She said activists need to come out strong on such plans to protect the country's natural resources from destruction by self-seekers.

"Recently, we were engaged in a fierce battle with the Government over Murchison Falls. A survey was done in the country and out of 6,000 people, only one was in support of constructing the dam," Kadaga noted.

She said despite the plan being rejected three times by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and Cabinet, Cabinet reportedly approved it on the fourth trial, which she said is regrettable.

Kadaga said: "Why should the ministers continue presenting this matter which was rejected? Who is interested in building the dam? How can a company with no address be the one doing a feasibility study for us."

Francis Odokorach, the country director of Oxfam Uganda, said the country's agricultural sector, which employs over 70% of the population, is more prone to effects of climate change.

"Smallholder farmers, especially women, are the most affected. Food crops on which these vulnerable people depend have been highly affected because of climate change," Odokorach said.

He added: "It is important that Parliament passes the Bill so that people who have been affected by climate change live better lives."

Edwin Muhumuza, the chief executive officer of Youth Go Green, said because of climate change, Uganda is experiencing calamities such as floods, which have killed many people. He implored Parliament to include in the Bill, a section that mandates the education ministry to sensitise school-going children about issues of climate change.

The activists also advised Ugandans to only vote for leaders that are mindful about the neeD to protect the environment.