UGANDA, Masaka | Real Muloodi News | The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a directive to Gazoola Supplies Company Ltd, a private firm engaged in clay mining in the Nakiyaga wetland, Buwunga Sub-County, Masaka District, ordering them to vacate the wetland and restore the area that has been depleted due to their activities.
Gazoola Supplies Company Ltd has been conducting clay mining operations in the Nakiyaga wetland over the past several months, with the extracted clay being transported to Kapeeka Industrial Park in Nakaseke District.
In Kapeeka, clay is used as a raw material for the production of porcelain and ceramic tiles.
This directive from Nema aligns with the National Environment Act of 2019 and a presidential directive prohibiting any further encroachment on wetlands.
The latest presidential directive permits activities in wetlands solely for fish farming and eco-tourism projects.
Mr. William Lubuulwa, the senior public relations officer at Nema, emphasized their commitment to restoring wetlands and addressing past mistakes. He also called upon all stakeholders to support their efforts.
“We are not turning back. Some companies are operating with expired permits, which is illegal. Already, operations have begun in key areas, including Lubigi wetland in Kampala and Wakiso, and in other districts like Rwampara and Bukedi, where a lot of destruction has been done,” he explained.
Nema’s focus has been on raising awareness regarding the importance of conserving the environment. Mr. Darlin Kavuma, the chairperson of Buwunga Sub-County in Masaka District, praised Nema’s directive and called on Gazoola Supplies Company Ltd to return to the wetland to restore the depleted areas, particularly by covering open pits.
However, Mr Andrew Muzoola, the manager at Gazoola Supplies Company Ltd, declined to comment on Nema’s directive, although he had previously stated that the company followed the necessary procedures and possessed an approved environmental and social impact assessment report.
Mr. Andrew Mafundo, the executive director of Citizens Concern Africa (CICOA), expressed concerns about Nema’s effectiveness in conserving natural resources and called for a new entity with clear guidelines and strict enforcement capabilities to prevent further degradation of wetlands and other vital ecosystems.
Ms. Harriet Namayanja, the woman district councillor for Lwankoni Sub-County in Kyotera, echoed Mr. Mafundo’s sentiments, emphasising the need for Nema’s directives to have a tangible impact at the grassroots level.
The Nakiyaga wetland, situated across Buwunga and Bukakkata sub-counties, is part of the Lake Nabugabo wetland system, a Ramsar Site protected under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance.
This wetland system has also been designated as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International due to its rich avian biodiversity, including globally threatened species.
Unfortunately, the Nakiyaga wetland has suffered degradation over time due to various activities.