Barirega Akankwasah, PhD, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), while engaging with stakeholders in Kigezi region during a high-level consultation meeting in Kabale District, reiterated the presidential directives on evacuation of wetlands in Uganda. However, Kigezi region, Busoga and Bukedea were tentatively  allowed to continue using the wetlands. The high-level engagement discussed provisions and guidelines in the  in the National EnvironmentAct Cap 181 on alternative livelihoods for those currently utilizing the wetlands.

The key directives reiterated by Dr. Akankwasah are as follows:

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝘀𝗲: While the regions of Kigezi, Busoga, and Bukedea are allowed to continue using wetlands for historical reasons, they must adhere to guidelines set by the government. During this period, they should be looking for alternative  sources of income since only allowed activities will be allowed in wetlands after a certain period of time.

𝗪𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀: The Dr. Akankwasah also warned  individuals against new encroachments  on the wetlands and encroachers in other parts of Uganda must vacate voluntarily by taking advantage of the government’s current amnesty provisions.
The engagement, organized by NEMA, supported by Operation Wealth Creation, the United Nation

s Development Programme (UNDP), and the Ministry of Water and Environment is aimed at generating alternative means to income genera

tion for the region. Notable attendees include Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi (Minister for ICT & National Guidance) and Hon. Henry Musasizi (Minister of State for General Duties).