Zombo, Uganda: The Alur Kingdom has issued a firm directive to its subjects in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to immediately halt the degradation and encroachment on wetlands, aligning its position with government conservation efforts.
The pronouncement, delivered on behalf of His Royal Majesty Phillip Olarker Rauni III by Kingdom Prime Minister Lawrence Opar Angala, emphasized urgent community action to protect critical ecosystems.
Speaking during a burial in Okuru Pamach Parish, Atyak Sub-county, the Kingdom expressed concern over increasing destruction of wetlands through pollution, deforestation, charcoal burning, and unsustainable farming practices.
“Wetlands are among the most valuable ecosystems on our planet. Our traditional knowledge system should guide us to farm, fish, and manage water responsibly while living in harmony with the environment,” the King’s message stated.
The Kingdom called for the integration of indigenous knowledge into environmental management and urged communities to adopt sustainable practices.
The pronouncement also emphasized the need for community-led wetland management, backed by public awareness and education on sustainable use.
In addition, the Kingdom encouraged the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation to address land and environmental conflicts instead of resorting to courts.
According to national data, wetland degradation remains a major concern across the country. Over the past 25 years, Eastern Uganda has recorded the highest loss at 46%, followed by Central (29%), Western (28%), and Northern Uganda (21%).
Experts attribute the decline to rapid population growth, urbanisation, weak enforcement of environmental laws, and unsustainable land use practices.
President Yoweri Museveni recently directed all wetland encroachers to vacate, issuing an amnesty while enforcing stricter protection measures across Uganda’s 8,613 wetlands.
The government aims to restore wetland coverage from 9.3% to 11% by 2036 under the National Wetland Strategic Plan 2026–2036.
Under the National Environment Act 2019, destruction of wetlands is illegal, with penalties of up to UGX 600 million in fines or 12 years imprisonment.
Local leaders welcomed the Kingdom’s intervention, noting its influence in mobilising communities. Zombo Assistant RDC Bruno Mananu called for “concerted multi-stakeholder efforts” to restore wetlands and preserve their ecological functions.
Meanwhile, environmental initiatives are already underway. Daniel Pikisa said his organisation is supporting restoration through tree planting along River Ora to curb degradation.
“We are planting native tree species along the River Ora buffer zone to divert communities from destructive activities,” he said.
The Kingdom’s directive reinforces the growing role of cultural institutions in environmental protection, especially in mobilising grassroots communities.
Government has increasingly called on traditional leaders to take a frontline role in conservation, recognising their influence over local practices and beliefs.
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