20% OF WETLANDS IN BUSHENYI DISTRICT ARE ENCROACHED ON

By Wilber Muhwezi Kasibante

www.mknewslink.com

In Bushenyi

As Bushenyi district prepares to host the national celebrations for International wetlands day, the natural resources coordinator Syril Mugyenyi has revealed that 20% of the wetlands in the district are encroached on.

Mugyenyi noted that the encroached on wetlands are used for cattle graizing, growing of crops.

Mugyenyi said this during a press conference organizing at Bumbaire subcounty by Uganda citizens’ alliance that mainly deals with wetland and water sources protection in south western and western regions.

The press conference that was held at venue were the national celebration will take place was attended by the district chairman jaffari Bassajabalaba,RDC Jolly Tibemyanya,Kizito Mwebesa Secretary of finance and councilor to Bumbaire sub county.

The president of the citizens alliance Deo Atuhaire called upon leaders to ensure that wetlands and water sources are protected both in south western and western regions for sustainable development.

In the press statement released by Director of programmes Elly  Muhwezi, they have visited R.Rwizi in Mbarara,Kahengye and Mitanda in Rukungiri,Mpanga river in Kamwengye,Kanyampanga in Kanungu ,Echuya,Kyangyengye and Nkaka in Kisoro.

Muhwezi noted that all these places need urgent attention by leaders to save them from encroachment by locals.

UCA noted that there is widespread drainage of water sources for agriculture citing out planting of eucalyptus trees in water catchment areas.

Muhwezi told the media that there is a member of parliament in Mbarara telling people not to leave banks of river Rwizi till government compensates them hugely.

Muhwezi noted that such leaders should be castigated because they are against future and present generation.

The RDC noted that the president has allowed people to use the wetlands sustainable like practicing fish farming, cutting papyrus to make mats

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