Lucky Patrick
The Resident District Commissioner Bunyangabu , Joshua Kisembo Masereka, has called upon Leaders and Technical Staff to protect and preserve natural resources.
During an engagement meeting held at the district Council hall Tuesday, Masereka, observed that the district is endowed with plenty of natural resources, but there’s a high threat of degradation that needs to be dealt with.
He emphasized President Yoweri Museveni’s directive on environmental conservation and protection, which authorizes Bunyangabu district, to penalize anyone who contradicts this directive.
It is however observed, that environmental degradation is being enhanced by high ranking officials in government and politicians who plant trees at a largescale in swamps or even construct in swampy areas.
The RDC therefore cautioned the big cadres in Bunyangabu, who are degrading natural resources.
“The President is the highest in Command, so we shall not spare whichever ‘big cadre’ that acts contrary, ” He warned.
According to the Chief Administrative Officer CAO Bunyangabu, Edith Mutabazi, the district technical team is ready to enforce the Presidential directive .
She appealed to the political wing to support the fight against environmental degradation.
“Our Politicians we appeal for your support in this noble cause, let us all fight together as a team to preserve and protect our environment,” She said.
Bishop Muhiirwa on climate change
The appeal by the RDC, to protect natural resources, comes at a time when the Rt. Rev. Bishop Muhiirwa of Fort Portal diocese is strongly advocating for mother nature protection, following the recent request by Pope Francis in Laudato si’ in the AMECEA plenary 2022, that took place in Dare es alaam Tanzania.
Bishop Muhiirwa, who attended the same plenary meeting, at the ordinations in Yerya parish Bunyangabu, pledged that Fort Portal catholic diocese will continue to enlighten the public through Caritas Fort Portal on how best to restore the green earth and natural resources.
What others say
On the same matter, the Minister of gender and cultural affairs, Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo, last week decried increased man made activities that lead to drainage of swamps in Bunyangabu.
Reportedly, residents have resorted to planting Eucalyptus trees in swamps, which leads to drainage of swamps and decreased soil moisture that has negatively affected farming in the same district.
“Bunyangabu had taken over Bushenyi’s position in producing big bunches of Matooke, in fact it was a food basket, but surprisingly, the rate of reduction of food supply in the district is alarming. I therefore challenge you to carefully watch out for environmental protection” She remarked on ordination function.
Minister Mutuuzo, warned those who had planted trees in swamps to immediately transfer them to hilly areas, where they are literally supposed to be.
