The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kabarole, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The former Kabarole District Education Officer Patrick Rwakaikara, has been ordered to vacate and restore Kitarasa swamp in North Division, Fort Portal city.
On Thursday, a team from Fort Portal City and the Ministry of Water and Environment led by the Regional Wetlands Officer Molta Alimwesiga, visited the swamp and found that Rwakaikara had employed a group of people to destroy over two hectares with the aim to cultivate food crops, and sugarcane growing for commercial purposes.
Edward Bambona, the LCI Chairperson Kirarasa village says he several times warned Patrick Rwakaikara against destroying the swamp in vain.
Godwin Angalia Kasigwa, the RCC Fort Portal asked police to immediately find Rwakaikara and record a statement over his involvement in the destruction of the wetland in spite of the several warnings he had received from the Karago town council authorities.
Alimwesiga also ordered the Fort Portal City councilor representing Kijanju ward, Faith Kakama to immediately restore Nyakaseke wetland in the heart of Fort Portal. It is alleged that the Kakama dumped soil in the wetland.
Samuel Musana, the Fort Portal City Planner said the councilor illegally erected a permanent structure in the wetland without approval from the Fort Portal City council authorities.
Alimwesiga insisted that Kakama avails her wetland user permit from NEMA to the city authorities to verify the legality of her actions in the wetland.
Gladys Natugonza, the Fort Portal City Environment Officer said the restoration campaign is targeting all culprits who have continued to act with impunity by failing to respond to the city environment conservation guidelines.
The Ministry of Water and Environment officials are in Fort Portal City to enforce the presidential directives on wetland conservation following reports on the continued encroachment of wetlands and other ecosystems in the city.
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