Over 80 acres of wetlands encroached on in Dokolo district

31 October 2026, 10:37 pm

By Winnie Auma

Over 80 acres of wetlands have been destroyed through encroachment by communities in Apye Parish, Adok Sub-county in Dokolo district.

Dokolo District Environment Officer, Luke Angat says wetland encroachment for farming and settlement is widespread in Adok Sub-county.

Angat attributes the problem to ignorance of environmental laws, limited awareness of the consequences of wetland destruction, and the belief among some community members that wetlands are free for public use.

He says the district has started sensitising communities to discourage the practice, warning that those found guilty of illegal wetland encroachment risk up to 12 years in prison, a fine of 600 million shillings, or both.

Angat has urged residents to stop destroying wetlands, warning that the practice contributes to environmental degradation and global warming.

Meanwhile, Adok Sub-county LC3 chairperson , Rubby Ogwali says several meetings have been held to address wetland encroachment in the area, but efforts to resolve the problem have been unsuccessful.

Ogwali has called for urgent intervention by the Resident District Commissioner’s office and the District Environment Officer to help resolve the disputes amicably.

Dokolo Resident District Commissioner, Babra Akech directed local leaders to suspend farming activities in wetlands in the area and warned farmers who have planted rice not to harvest it until a meeting is held to find a lasting solution.

Akech has also tasked the District Environment Officer, working with local leaders and communities, to demarcate all wetlands across the district to prevent further encroachment.