Govt to forcibly evict communities from lake shores, wetlands

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Due to the rising water levels of Lake Victoria, the Government has issued a directive for all residents residing along the lake shores and in wetlands to evacuate before being forcibly removed.

This measure, as stated by Minister of Water and Environment Sam Cheptoris, aims to safeguard lives and property before the situation escalates.

Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre (UMC) in Nakasero Kampala on Tuesday (May 14, 2024), Cheptoris highlighted the anticipation of increased rainfall and water inflow from neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.

He said it is crucial to make necessary preparations and ensure the protection of lives before it becomes too late.

“They must be careful and try to avoid those areas. We must respect environmental rules. The law clearly states that there should be a buffer zone over above 100 metres from the shores of the lake.  But our people don’t respect our rules. You should stay 50 metres away from the riverbanks. This is for your good,” he added.

Akankwasa Barirega (Right) the executive Director National Environmental Management Authority speaking as Sam Cheptoris the Minister of Water and Environment looks. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)

Approximately 10,000 individuals have been forced to evacuate due to the increasing water levels of Lake Victoria at different landing sites across Masaka, Jinja, and certain areas of Wakiso districts.

In response to the imminent danger, the minister disclosed that a portion of funds has been sanctioned by Cabinet to safeguard the infrastructure from flooding.

The plan is to build embankments or gabions around key structures to shield them from possible flood destruction, as well as to improve the rivers’ drainage capacity to handle larger volumes of water and to relocate individuals residing in wetlands, among other proposed measures.

Cheptoris mentioned that a team was sent out to pinpoint and evaluate the areas at high risk of flooding.

He linked the current environmental issues to climate change.

World Environment Day

Uganda is also getting ready to participate in the global celebration of the UN World Environment Day on June 5, 2024.

Cheptoris announced that the upcoming national event will take place in Sironko district under the theme: Promoting Land Restoration for Climate Resilience.

The theme for this year’s Global event will be: Enhancing Land Restoration, Combating Desertification, and Building Drought Resilience. It is going to take place the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Cheptoris noted that President Yoweri Museveni will be the chief guest at the n national event.

He emphasized that this day will serve as an opportunity to deeply contemplate and reassert their dedication to safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

He stressed the importance of taking action to restore degraded landscapes to safeguard the essential ecosystem services they offer.

He highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Government's 10-Year Plan of Action for Restoration of the Environment and Natural Resources in Uganda (2021-2031), as well as the National Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan.

He mentioned that the Government’s efforts to replenish the depleted forest cover, enhance carbon sequestration, and promote biodiversity continue.

Recent data reveals that the forest cover decline in Uganda has been reversed, increasing from 9.5% in 2015 to the current 13.3%.

The minister went on to highlight their initiative to integrate trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, aiming to enhance soil fertility, minimize erosion, and foster biodiversity.

He observed that following initiatives to rehabilitate deteriorated wetlands, the wetland coverage has also increased from 8.9% in 2019 to the current 9.3% of the country's land area.

“We continue to promote the constructing of steps on slopes to reduce soil erosion and runoff, making hillside farming sustainable in areas like Kigezi, Elgon, and Rwenzori,” he added.

Farmers were urged to actively promote rotational grazing systems to combat overgrazing and facilitate the regeneration of vegetation.

This he says not only enhances soil fertility but also contributes to carbon storage, among other beneficial activities.

He stressed that Uganda has also successfully revived numerous wildlife populations that were on the brink of extinction, including elephants, kobs, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, and various others.

Barirega Akankwasah, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), emphasized that ongoing environmental efforts are focused on addressing illegal encroachment on wetlands, targeting individuals from all walks of life.