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Ibanda, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Water and Environment has started the demarcation of wetland boundaries of a major wetland in Kijongo sub-county, Ibanda district. The demarcated wetland is Kyarutanga –Rwambu, a tributary of River Mpanga.
The ministry’s intervention follows the rampant human activities like cultivation, brick-making, and planting of Eucalyptus trees and banana plantations in the wetland. The wetland covers a total area of 518.67 hectares.
Joseph Ongol, the Assistant Commissioner for Wetland Management, says that if wetlands are not restored, people are likely to lose water for domestic use and temperatures are likely to be higher.
Sylvano Afai, the Western Regional Wetlands Coordinator, says that 55 percent of the wetlands in the district have been degraded.
Joseph Mukiibi, the Resident District Commissioner Ibanda said that the demarcation will be carried out using rightful procedures and asked them to adhere to the exercise for their own good.
The demarcation has left some residents protesting the move, saying that wetlands are a source of water and a source of income. The residents said that before the demarcation starts, the government should support them with other sources of income in order to sustain their families.
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