The Mukono District Natural Resources Department has expressed concern over the continued destruction of wetlands through activities such as construction of schools, establishment of factories, farming, and brick making in protected areas.
The appeal was made during an environmental conservation training held in Kyetume Parish, Nakisunga Sub-county, where district officials warned that increasing human activities in wetlands are threatening both ecosystems and community livelihoods.
Speaking at the training, the Acting District Natural Resources Officer, Innocent Mutalya, has intensified efforts to protect wetlands, calling on local leaders and residents to take an active role in conserving the environment amid rising cases of encroachment.
Mr. Mutalya cautioned that unchecked encroachment could have long-term consequences on human survival, noting that wetlands play a critical role in regulating water flow, controlling floods, and preserving biodiversity.
He urged Local Council leaders and residents to work together to safeguard the fragile ecosystems and ensure sustainable development for future generations.
The Nakisunga Sub-county LCIII Chairperson, Ssekikuubo Mubaraka, echoed the concerns, pointing out that environmental degradation has already begun to affect infrastructure in the area.
He noted that illegal activities in wetlands have disrupted natural water channels and contributed to the deterioration of roads, especially during heavy rains.
During the engagement, some residents appealed to the government to consider compensating individuals holding land titles in wetland areas. They argued that compensation would encourage affected landowners to vacate the protected zones voluntarily and support restoration efforts.
Participants identified farming, brick making, and industrial construction as major drivers of wetland degradation in Kyetume and Namayiba villages.
While acknowledging the economic pressures faced by residents, district officials stressed that environmental protection must take precedence to avoid long-term losses that outweigh short-term gains.
The training brought together Local Council chairpersons and residents from Kyetume and Namayiba villages, equipping them with knowledge about environmental laws, sustainable land use, and the ecological importance of wetlands.
Officials believe that continuous sensitization campaigns, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, and stronger collaboration between government and communities will be key to restoring degraded wetlands.
The environmental conservation training in Kyetume Parish marked a significant step toward strengthening community awareness and participation in protecting natural resources in Mukono District.
As leaders emphasized, environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Without collective action, authorities warn, the destruction of wetlands could undermine biodiversity, increase vulnerability to floods, and threaten sustainable livelihoods for present and future generations.
