BUSHENYI – The Office of the President Bushenyi District in collaboration with Bushenyi District Local Government, Natural Resources Department, has carried out a restoration exercise at Omutubiri Section of Nyamirembe wetland in Kizinda Town Council.
Nyamirembe wetland covers almost 17 kilometers but continues to be a major target of wetland encroachment. At Omutubiri section, people continue to dig drainage channels with the intent to grow eggplants, cabbages, yams and graze animals.
The Office of the President Bushenyi and Bushenyi District Local Government says it is committed to ensuring that Nyamirembe wetland is not vulnerable to encroachment by conducting regular monitoring and restoration activities.
Nyamirembe wetland touches three districts; Bushenyi, Mitooma and Sheema. It feeds the Kitagata water treatment plant that serves water in these three districts. Encroachment of Nyamirembe wetland culminates into low water table at Kitagata water treatment plant, affecting water supply to Bushenyi, Mitooma and Sheema.
Mr. Mwesigwa Charles, the Bushenyi District Environment Officer, says digging drainage channels in a wetland is the worst wetland encroachment component that dries a wetland quickly. He says it contravenes Section 55 of the National Environment Act 2019 and is against the Presidential directive on wetland protection.
Authorities have warned residents to vacate wetlands and seek alternative livelihoods as enforcement will continue.
*Official Report By: Igambirine Hillary, Assistant RDC Bushenyi*
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