UGANDA, Soroti | Real Muloodi News | The government is taking steps to protect its wetlands by cancelling 20,000 land titles issued to private developers.
On World Wetland’s Day, which was celebrated on 2nd February 2023, Mr David Stephen Mugabi, the acting director of environmental affairs in the Ministry of Water and Environment, announced that 330 land titles in Mukono, Kampala, and Wakiso had already been cancelled, with 300 more in Rukiga and Bukedea districts in the process of being cancelled.
“Of the 20,000 land titles issued in wetlands to the private developers across the country, 330 land titles in Mukono, Kampala, and Wakiso have been cancelled, while 300 more submitted in Rukiga and Bukedia districts are in the cancellation process,” Mr Mugabi said.
Mr Mugabi stated that the cancellation of these land titles would provide a legal basis for future actions aimed at preserving and restoring the country’s wetlands.
He also mentioned that his ministry and the Lands ministry would work together to implement a strategic government plan to protect these ecosystems.
MP Tom Julius Ekudo spoke about the issue of fake land titles sold to people and called for the government to crack down on the officials responsible.
The Soroti District LC5 chairperson, Mr Simon Peter Edoru, warned against overgrazing in wetlands, which destroys vegetation and leads to water evaporation.
The Resident District Commissioner of Soroti, Mr Salim Komakech, urged leaders and the public to report any encroachment on wetlands and warned against activities such as rice farming and bush burning in these areas.
Dr Barirega Akankwasah, the executive director of the National Environment Management Authority, emphasised the importance of wetlands as critical ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation, freshwater availability, and the world’s economy.
Overall, the message from the World Wetland’s Day celebrations was clear: the government is committed to protecting its wetlands and will take legal action against those who encroach on these areas.
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