The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Pallisa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Minister of Water and Environment Sam Cheptoris has led a team of government officials and partners in an inspection tour of wetland restoration and irrigation projects in Pallisa and Kibuku districts.
A team from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) United Nations Development Program (UNDP) this week inspected Limoto wetland to assess progress of the restoration process of the once degraded ecosystem.
The residents of Kibuku and Pallisa together with their leaders testified that it was not easy to make the decision but with sensitization they voluntarily vacated the wetland. They told the minister that they had fully participated in the restoration process which decision they do not regret.
The MWE’s water for production department in collaboration with Ministry Of Agriculture plans to set up fish ponds and a pilot irrigation scheme for residents around Limoto as a way of demonstrating that there are more beneficial and sustainable ways to utilize wetlands other than degrading them for rice production.
After the inspection of Limoto, the team proceeded to assess progress of Lwemba small scale irrigation scheme in Bugiri District which is currently serving as a model irrigation scheme for many districts.
At Lwemba the team met a group of farmer groups who reaped about sh9million from their first harvest during the dry spell. The Ministry of Water and Environment is currently working hand in hand with local leaders to construct at least one pilot irrigation scheme in every district and ensure restoration of degraded ecosystems.
After the tour, Cheptoris hailed officials of the MWE’s Wetlands Management Department for the restoration efforts that have got the support of the residents.
