Protect our wetlands! Gulu mayor calls for action

4 November 2025, 11:34 am

By Okello Gift

The Mayor of Gulu City, Alfred Okwonga, has called on residents to stop encroaching on wetlands and to take responsibility for protecting the environment.

Speaking to our reporter, Okwonga urged people to avoid farming or settling in wetlands and instead adopt eco-friendly practices such as waste segregation and recycling. He also appealed to the government to strengthen support for environmental conservation and climate change initiatives.

In a phone interview, Pader District Forest Officer Martine Okello condemned wetland encroachment, describing it as illegal and destructive. He warned that offenders will face prosecution and encouraged communities to engage in tree planting to restore degraded areas.

Meanwhile, Gulu District Forest Officer James Ocaka cautioned against bricklaying and farming in wetlands, saying such activities harm the environment. He commended the Uganda National Oil Company for its plan to plant over 40 million trees nationwide.

Despite these efforts, wetland encroachment and deforestation continue to pose major environmental challenges in Northern Uganda issues that officials say demand stronger enforcement and community participation.