Lira |Since 2022, under the leadership of Lira City Resident Commissioner Lawrence Egole, the City has saved more than 65% of its wetlands from encroachers.
The RCC office registered 139 cases.
Egole made the revelations on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at an event honoring the Women’s Council Parliament, which was organized in partnership with district stakeholders.
The Council for Lira District and Lira City met at the Lira District Council Hall.
RCC Egole criticised “certain leaders” for encouraging the exploitation of wetlands in both the city and the district. He emphasized that no one will be exempt from consequences if they violate NEMA guidelines.
He stated that financial resources (bribes) will not protect anyone from legal ramifications, and urged those with financial means to follow NEMA regulations, as wealth cannot protect one from wrongdoing beyond a certain point.
Beatrice Abang Molly Kia, Lira’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner, highlighted the challenges that women face when it comes to wetland issues, indicating that women need more guidance from various stakeholders to improve their situation in the community.
Abang acknowledged that, while the majority of wetland users affected are men, security forces will take appropriate action to protect the environment. She urged technical teams to continue working without regard for financial considerations.
Walter Ocen, the Environmental Officer for Lira District, informed the assembly that the district alone has over 927 wetlands.
Also read: NEMA to build capacities to fight ignorance on wetlands
He said Lira District has three permanent wetland systems: Okole, Olweny, and Moroto. “These wetlands are vital sources of water for both domestic and potable purposes. However, the degradation of these wetlands has harmed the ecosystem, causing changes in rainfall patterns.”
He also mentioned that a 2019 amendment to the national environment law states that anyone caught damaging wetlands without following proper procedures will face a shs3 million fine or up to 15 years in prison.
Santa Angela, a former councilor for the Adekokowok and Negtta sub-counties in Lira District, expressed her displeasure with the current wetlands laws. She noted that wealthy individuals exploit wetlands without being charged, whereas the poor are restricted by laws that limit their access to these resources.
Christine Okullu, the Lira District Chairperson of the Women’s Council, praised women for their contributions to national advancement.
Okullu emphasized that this year’s theme is about “standing against encroachment and destruction of wetlands while exploring the underlying issues and potential solutions.”
Edward Odipio, the regional manager of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for Northern Uganda, which includes the Arua, Lango, Acholi, and Karamoja sub-regions, praised the theme on wetland issues.
Odipio acknowledged the ongoing challenges of wetland management across the country, noting that the Eastern region has 40% wetland coverage, followed by the Central region (26%), Northern Uganda (18%), and Western Uganda (17%).
He expressed his appreciation for the progress made in protecting the community’s wetlands.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.