Residents in Rukiga District are expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s program aimed at restoring the Muhanga-Kandago Bulime Wetland System, which involves the eviction of locals engaged in activities like bricklaying and cultivation.
The government’s program, “Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems, and Associated Catchments in Uganda,” aims to restore 250 hectares of the Muhanga-Kandago Bulime Wetland System in Bukinda Sub County and Muhanga Town Council in Rukiga district.
However, residents are concerned about losing their source of food and income without clear compensation plans from the government. Bonny Tibategyeza and Milton Tibabyesiga, two residents, expressed their worries during the program launch in Kabimbiri Kyerero parish, Bukinda Sub County.
Gideon Akampulira, the Rukiga District Councilor representing Bukinda Sub County, highlighted the challenges residents are facing, such as the expectation of compensation before eviction and concerns about repaying loans secured using the land.
Despite the eviction process, residents owning land near the wetland are asked to form groups for compensation, but they say that the imposed charge of UGX100,000 is burdensome and could exclude them from the program.
Mbabazi Robert Kakwerere, the Rukiga District LCV chairperson, urged residents to participate, emphasizing the program’s long-term benefits in mitigating climate change caused by wetland encroachment.
Emmanuel Ariho, the Rukiga District Environment Officer, assured alternative livelihoods for those affected by the program, emphasizing its positive impact on wetland restoration.
Bruce Amanya, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the Wetland Restoration Program, clarified the government’s role, stating that it encourages voluntary relocation for groups to support farmers and emphasizing the program’s focus on flood control rather than land acquisition.
The project activities started on January 1, 2023, and are scheduled to end on November 30, 2023, as per the signed memorandum of Understanding between Rukiga District local government and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
The government should address the concerns of the residents to ensure the smooth implementation of the program.
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