Kampala, Uganda. Uganda has taken a strong stance to protect its important wetlands in commemoration of World Wetlands Day 2024.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) made clear its dedication to conserving wetlands by cancelling more than 600 land titles, and there are plans to cancel another 300 titles in the future.
This decisive action is aimed at preventing people from encroaching on and using the wetlands inappropriately.
NEMA’s firm stance is part of a broader strategy that includes the restoration of degraded wetlands and the provision of alternative livelihoods for those dependent on these ecosystems.
The government’s decision aligns with successful wetland restoration initiatives undertaken in 2022 and 2023, including the notable rehabilitation of the Lubigi Wetland.
The indefinite suspension of project approvals in wetland ecosystems, imposed in September 2021, remains in effect. NEMA is actively auditing previously approved projects to ensure adherence to conservation principles.
Wetlands, critical for ecological balance, have faced severe degradation worldwide, with 90% lost since the 1700s. In Uganda, the latest National State of Environment Report (2022) reveals a decline in wetland coverage from 15.6% in 1994 to 13.9%.
However, there is a glimmer of hope as intact wetlands have slightly increased to 9.3%, showcasing progress from 8.9% in 2019.
World Wetlands Day 2024 Theme: “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”: Celebrated annually on February 2, World Wetlands Day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
The 2024 edition, hosted in Gulu, Uganda, focuses on the theme “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,” stating the crucial role wetlands play in supporting both people and the environment.
NEMA, the environmental authority, highlights that World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually, marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
This international treaty is designed to protect wetlands, which are diverse ecosystems including marshes, swamps, bogs, and estuaries. The global theme this year focuses on the connection between wetlands and human well-being, with celebrations happening in Gulu City.
“On World Wetlands Day, it’s important to understand the history and significance of wetlands. Wetlands have evolved over millions of years, supporting various plant and animal life. Initially considered as wastelands, they gained recognition for their ecological importance, leading to the establishment of the Ramsar Convention,” according to NEMA.
The Ramsar Convention, named after the Iranian city where it was adopted, is an international treaty dedicated to conserving and sustainably using wetlands.
Supported by over 170 countries since 1971, the convention highlights the global commitment to preserving these crucial ecosystems. It stresses wetlands’ role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water flow, and providing essential services for our planet’s health.
Often referred to as the “kidneys of the Earth,” wetlands naturally filter and purify water. They act as sponges, absorbing and storing excess rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding downstream.
Additionally, wetlands are vital habitats for diverse plant and animal species, contributing to biodiversity conservation and protecting rare or endangered species.
Wetlands also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by acting as significant carbon sinks, capturing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Degrading or draining wetlands releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Therefore, protecting wetlands is essential for combating climate change and promoting environmental resilience.
Government Warning
Water and Environment Minister Sam Cheptoris issued a stern warning to those encroaching on Uganda’s wetlands, stating that the government is prepared to “crush” anyone who disregards the law, regardless of their position or influence. This stern stance comes as alarming statistics reveal a 2.5% loss, equivalent to a decline of 6,146.6 sq. km, in wetland coverage between 1994 and 2015.
Uganda, as a signatory to the Convention on Wetlands, actively joins the global community in raising awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet.
The country’s commitment to wetland conservation serves as a beacon for other nations facing similar challenges, urging collective action to protect these invaluable ecosystems.
While Uganda celebrates World Wetlands Day with a commitment to conservation, concerns have been raised by conservationists and Civil Society Organisations, accusing NEMA and the government of compromising efforts by allegedly shielding investors involved in wetland encroachment. One notable case is the allocation of Lwerawetland in Kalungu district, a major wetland in the Greater Masaka region.
Controversial Allocation of Lwera Wetland:
The criticism stems from the allocation of Lwerawetland for rice cultivation and sand mining shortly after a Presidential directive against such allocations.
Kalungu District officials revealed that licenses were issued by NEMA authorities to rice and sand miners, contradicting the agency’s claim of halting wetland licenses in 2021.
Despite officially recognising only three sanctioned operators, including Ark Uganda Limited (owned by Pastor Samuel Kakande), Freedom Multi Company, Zhong Industries Ltd, Double Q Co. Ltd, Seroma Ltd, and Parkson Hongkong Investments, there are reportedly more operators, according to environmentalists.
Government Officials and Land Sale Allegations
A 2017 Lands Commission report led by Justice Catherine Bamugemeire exposed questionable land transactions.
One title covering a square mile of Lwera Wetland was allegedly sold by then Agriculture Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja to John Ssebalamu claimed to have purchased two square miles of wetland in 2010 from the late Mayanja Nkangi, former chairman of the Uganda Land Commission (ULC), and Ssempijja.
The involvement of government officials in land sales within the wetland raises serious ethical and legal concerns.
However, Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the LCV chairperson for Wakiso district and a prominent environmental conservationist, highlighted the alleged collaboration between Ssempijja and the late Mayanja Nkangi in issuing numerous land titles within the wetland.
According to Bwanika, these titles were later sold to various individuals, questioning the integrity of the land allocation process.
As the government faces allegations of compromising efforts and facilitating questionable land transactions, stakeholders call for a thorough investigation and corrective measures to ensure the effective conservation of wetlands.
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