KAKUMIRO: Wetlands enchroachers refuse to vacate despite expiry of six months ultimatum

KAKUMIRO, UGANDA: Several wetland enchroachers in Kakumiro District have adamantly refused to vacate where they are dealing in agricultural activities despite the six months ultimatum issued to vacate voluntarily the or else the work of the law.

The enchroachers are currently planting rice, cabage, yams, tomatoes among other crops. The major wetlands that degraded are Mabengere found in Kisiita and Mpasana Sub counties, Kabale in Katikara sub county and Mpongo in Mpasana Sub county.

In March the Kakumiro District Environment department together with the District security committee gave the enchroachers a six months ultimatum to vacate voluntarily or else face eviction however up to today the enchroachers have not yet vacated the wetlands and they are continuing to cultivate from there.

Macklin Namiyengo, the Kakumiro District Environment Officer says now the six months ultimatum given to enchroachers has elapsed and since they are still there, they are going to use all other means to ensure these people are evicted.

“The time we gave to them to vacate wetlands volunterily has elapsed so are going to apply force so as to ensure that these people are washed out of the natural resources”. Namiyango said.

Patrick Kasibante one of the wetlands enchroachers planting rice in Mabengere wetland has asked the officials to give them more time to harvest their crops before they are evicted.

According to Section 36 of the National Environment Act provides for the protection of the wetlands and prohibit reclamation and empowers authorities to demolish all structures that are put on or in a wetland.