Mityana officials have urged residents using wetlands to seek guidance on permitted activities and comply with conservation rules, warning that environmental violations could lead to prosecution.
Mityana District Resident District Commissioner Joseph Drake Mukiibi has urged residents using wetlands to consult the district’s natural resources department on permitted activities, warning that violations of environmental laws could lead to prosecution.
Mukiibi made the remarks during a community sensitisation meeting in Maayi Sub-county organised by the district’s natural resources department to promote wetland conservation, explain environmental regulations and address concerns raised by residents using the protected areas.
He said the government was not seeking to take away people’s land but to protect wetlands and preserve the environment for present and future generations.
“Government is not interested in taking away people's land. Our responsibility is to protect wetlands and ensure that the environment remains beneficial to everyone,” Mukiibi said.
He urged residents to work with environmental officials to understand the applicable guidelines and identify activities that can be undertaken without degrading wetlands.
Mukiibi encouraged residents to consider growing elephant grass and bamboo in suitable areas as part of efforts to promote responsible land use. He also asked the district’s technical team to explore alternatives to planting eucalyptus in wetlands, arguing that the practice contributes to environmental degradation.
The district’s Secretary for Production and Natural Resources, Jackline Nampijja, who represented District Chairperson Joseph Luzige, thanked residents for attending the meeting and urged them to comply with guidelines issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the district’s natural resources department.
Nampijja said local leaders wanted residents to live in a safe and healthy environment while pursuing sustainable economic activities.
She also acknowledged the contribution of Mityana District Woman Member of Parliament Judith Nabakooba in lobbying for 50,000 coffee seedlings for the district.
Nampijja further recognised support extended to tea growers through the provision of fertilisers and the distribution of hoes to households. She commended the district’s technical team for engaging residents through sensitisation rather than relying solely on enforcement.
“We want our people to understand the environmental guidelines and the importance of protecting wetlands. Residents should consult the relevant offices to establish the activities permitted in these areas before proceeding,” Nampijja said.
Environmental Police Commander SSP Taban cautioned residents against degrading wetlands and other protected natural resources, saying ignorance of the law did not exempt anyone from liability.
Taban explained the environmental laws and procedures governing the use of protected areas, warning that those found violating the regulations could face prosecution.
He also cautioned coffee farmers against unlawful environmental practices, saying failure to meet applicable environmental requirements could affect their access to markets, including those with requirements relating to deforestation and land use.
“People must familiarise themselves with environmental laws and comply with the established guidelines. Claiming not to know the law does not excuse environmental destruction,” Taban said.
He urged the district natural resources officer to expedite the establishment of environmental committees at sub-county level to strengthen community participation in conservation and improve public awareness of environmental enforcement procedures.
Taban also called on residents cultivating within wetlands to seek alternative agricultural land in accordance with applicable regulations.
Mityana District Natural Resources Officer Yasin Bbira said the meeting aimed to improve public understanding of environmental degradation and identify practical approaches to wetland protection.
Bbira explained that wetlands help maintain ecological balance and support communities, adding that their protection is provided for under environmental laws.
He urged residents whose land borders wetlands to consult the relevant authorities to establish the boundaries and determine which activities are permitted.
Bbira also advised residents occupying areas within 200 metres of wetlands to vacate them, saying they were within protected areas. Residents should, however, seek clarification from the relevant authorities on the legally identified wetland boundaries and the restrictions applicable to their specific locations.
Uganda’s National Environment Act provides for wetland conservation and restricts activities such as draining or reclaiming wetlands and undertaking certain developments or activities that could damage them without the required approval.
Mityana District Forest Officer Godbest Lubega warned residents against cutting down natural forests without taking appropriate measures to support forest regeneration.
Lubega said residents intending to cut trees should first obtain the necessary authorisation from the district forest office, while those planning to establish tree plantations should seek professional guidance on suitable species and locations.
He cautioned that replacing natural forests with unsuitable vegetation could undermine conservation efforts.
“Residents should consult the district forest office before cutting trees or establishing plantations. Proper guidance is necessary to ensure that our activities do not cause further environmental degradation,” Lubega said.
During the meeting, some residents asked the district’s natural resources department to give them sufficient time to harvest or remove existing agricultural produce from wetlands before relocating to alternative farming areas.
They said the transition would help them minimise losses while complying with environmental protection requirements.
The concerns highlighted the need for continued engagement between residents, district authorities and environmental agencies to address the effects of wetland protection measures on community livelihoods.
The meeting formed part of Mityana District’s efforts to raise awareness about environmental conservation, encourage compliance with existing regulations and promote sustainable land-use practices.