3 locals arrested over wetland cultivation in Kole

By Denish Ongora (denish.ongora@vol.co.ug)

Kole

Over the years, human activities both industrial and agricultural have degraded the wetland ecosystem services which called for government intervention with a ban

Wetlands, commonly known as swamps in Uganda, are a resource of considerable importance, just like forests, rangelands, arable land, and open water resources yet in 2021, president Museveni banned growing of rice in wetlands across the country.

Yesterday, The RDC of Kole district arrested three locals who were found cultivating wetlands in Alito and Aboke Sub Counties.

While monitoring government projects, RDC Josephine Omara Olili said they found most locals still cultivating wetlands, despite a ban on the same by the president.

The suspects arrested for cultivating wetlands include; Jane Jerida 58, from Lira city and Akello Evaline from Barongin were found cultivating Otirit wetland in Barongin, Alito Sub County.

Another suspect is Awio Tom, 45 who was found cultivating Acweanyira swamp in Aboke Sub County.

RDC Omara Olili said the suspects being held at Kole Central Police Station will be followed up and arraigned in court to serve as a deterrent to people still interested in cultivating wetlands.

In March, Kole district chairman Andrew Moses Awany said he would write to Yoweri Museveni to request him to allow locals of Kole district cultivate wetlands since much of the district is covered by wetlands.