Residents near wetlands and lakeshores in Kitagwenda District have been urged to refrain from encroaching on protected areas, as such actions contribute to environmental degradation.
The warning, comes from the District Natural Resources Officer DNRO- Moses Byaruhanga Bujara, following a rise in human activities near River Buhindagi, Lake George, and wetlands buffer zones.
During a recent monitoring exercise in Mahyoro sub-county, Byaruhanga expressed concern over illegal activities like brick laying and cultivation within these sensitive areas, despite prior warnings from the natural resources department.
He emphasized that the department will now enforce existing environmental laws and policies, as well as a presidential directive aimed at safeguarding wetlands and lakeshores.
President Museveni has consistently urged the public to vacate these protected zones and has set an ultimatum for those still residing there.
According to Section 36 of the National Environment Act, reclaiming wetlands and constructing illegal structures in protected areas is strictly prohibited. The act gives authorities the power to demolish any such structures within wetlands
