Cattle Restocking Raises Climate and Wetland Concerns in Lira District

16 September 2026, 6:13 pm

By Walter Okello

The government’s cattle restocking programme in Lira District is raising concerns over increasing pressure on wetlands, with authorities warning that environmental degradation could undermine the region’s ability to cope with climate-related challenges.

Lira Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Richard Okello said the district expects an increase in cattle as more households benefit from the government’s restocking programme.

He, however, warned that the growing livestock population could put additional pressure on grazing land and water resources if wetlands continue to be cultivated and degraded.

Speaking to residents of Alwala Parish in Ogur Sub-county, Okello urged communities to protect wetlands and other natural ecosystems, saying their conservation is essential as communities face changing weather patterns and other environmental pressures.

Wetlands play an important role in regulating water, storing water during rainy periods and supporting communities during dry spells.

Their continued degradation could therefore reduce the resilience of communities and livestock to climate-related shocks.

Okello warned residents against cultivating wetlands and said security authorities would take action against individuals who deliberately ignore government directives to protect them.

Okello also cautioned beneficiaries of the cattle restocking programme against misusing government funds. He said some beneficiaries received financial support but failed to purchase cattle as required.

He said the district has begun recovering funds from beneficiaries who did not acquire livestock with the project funds and reallocating them to people willing to participate in the programme.

Meanwhile, the district has already begun enforcing environmental regulations.

Lira Natural Resources Officer Walter Ocen said eight people have been jailed for allegedly cultivating wetlands, while 11 others are facing trial over alleged wetland degradation in the district.