20 acres of illegal wetland crops destroyed in Kagadi environmental enforcement

25 July 2024, 7:52 am

By James Muhumuza

This enforcement action aligns with a presidential directive aimed at restoring and conserving natural environments to mitigate climate-related impacts.

A targeted crackdown on wetland encroachment in Bwikara sub-county, Kagadi district, yesterday led to the destruction of approximately 20 acres of crops illegally grown in protected wetland areas.

The operation, which spanned two days, involved a coordinated effort by authorities including the RDC of Kagadi, her deputy, DISO, UPDF officers, police officers, and support staff from the National Forestry Authority (NFA).

Specifically, the operation focused on the Rwabituju and Mihemu wetlands, located in Nyakubebe and Kisura villages. Benjamin Tumusiime, Kagadi’s deputy RDC, confirmed that the destroyed crops included beans, onions, cabbages, and sugarcane.

These crops belonged to individuals who had been previously warned to vacate the area last year but had replanted for the current season. Commissioner Benjamin disclosed that similar operations will extend into Buyaga west and east in the coming days, emphasising the continuation of efforts to uphold environmental protection directives.

Unlike the previous day, when nine individuals were arrested, no arrests were made on the second day of the operation, as many encroachers had already received prior warnings.

Gerald Byoona, Kagadi district Natural Resource Officer, attributed the persistence of encroachment to collusion between encroachers and local leaders. He advised locals to maintain a 100-metre buffer zone from the main wetland to avoid legal repercussions.