By Ben Ssebuguzi
Protecting the US from terrorism and reducing the flow of illegal drugs are the overall issues of all Presidential contestants although the Democrats and Republicans have different policies. In the same way, the matter of environmental protection is a matter of National strategic agenda in Uganda.
My ears on the streets overhead Hon Kyagulanyi talking to his supporters on matters to do with the preservation of our environment something which surprised me to think that he is starting to transform into a leader of substance in opposition unlike before when he was sowing seeds of hostility and public disobedience.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is quoted to have said that protecting the environment is a matter of life and death for humanity. He said that humanity must do all it takes to protect and preserve the environment.
During his July address to the Bazzukulu, the Fountain of Honour outlined five key issues including protecting the wetlands and probably that’s why NEMA is up to the task these days to evict illegal encroachers in the water catchment areas. Despite the President’s stance on this subject, some people are still going ahead with developing wetlands without NEMA permits, something which is dragging the achievement of our National goals.
Uganda has a water resources development and Management strategy as a key element of Uganda Vision 2040. So we have integrated natural capital into our sustainable development goals
Uganda’s nature provides a range of vital goods and services that underpin the National economy and well-being of our people because flooding and drought can slow down economic growth by all means and famine.
The goods and services which our nature provides to our economy include; providing food, water, energy and raw materials, supporting farming, fishing, grazing and tourism and absorbing carbon and waste.
In conclusion, That’s why the government needs to assess the effectiveness of local council environmental committees and their effectiveness in protecting our nature and also review the current governance for the environment and natural resources.
Long live General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Long live Hajjat Uzeiye Namyalo SPA and manager ONC
The writer is the Head of Research at ONC Kyambogo!
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