Wetland restoration initiative launched in Kwnaia district

5 August 2025, 10:26 am

By Olomo Joshua

The Ministry of Water and Environment, in collaboration with the Kwania District Local Government, has launched a week-long initiative to restore degraded wetlands that have been encroached upon for rice cultivation.

The restoration drive, which commenced on Monday, aims to reverse the loss of critical ecosystems and promote climate resilience through the sustainable management of wetlands.

It is estimated that at least 30,000 hectares, representing 37% of Kwania’s wetland cover, have been converted into farmland.

Jimmy Okweny, Senior Environment Officer for Kwania, noted that past government efforts to enforce wetland protection regulations have had limited success.

He emphasised that the new approach focuses on community engagement and sustainable wetland utilisation as a nature-based solution to environmental degradation and climate impacts.

Wilberforce Wanyama, Senior Wetland Officer in charge of Monitoring and Enforcement at the Ministry of Water and Environment said they will continue to promote sustainable livelihoods through responsible wetland use.

Jokaka Geoffrey, the Northern Uganda Regional Coordinator at the Ministry of Water and Environment, called on communities to cease wetland cultivation, warning that continued degradation undermines biodiversity.

Meanwhile, Lugwok Sam, a resident of Abongomola Trading Center, Acungi Parish, urged fellow community members to actively participate in wetland conservation.