By: Innocent Atuganyira

Four wetland systems covering a combined 104 kilometres are set to be demarcated in Buliisa District as authorities move to protect wetlands, seasonal streams and floodplains from encroachment.

The demarcation exercise was announced on Thursday during a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the Buliisa District Resource Centre ahead of the planned exercise.

The meeting, organised by Nature Uganda, brought together officials from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Ministries of Energy and Mineral Development and Water and Environment, Buliisa District Local Government, Prand Engineering Limited and other stakeholders.

Prand Engineering Limited has been contracted to excavate, fabricate and install 1,075 precast concrete pillars along the 104-kilometre stretch to mark the boundaries of the wetland systems.

The wetlands earmarked for demarcation include Waiga, covering 35 kilometres; Kibambura, 17 kilometres; Kasinyi, 11 kilometres; and Avogera, 41 kilometres.

The project is expected to be completed by January 2027.

Rogers Tumusiime, the Buliisa District Environmental Officer, urged communities to support the exercise, saying extensive sensitisation would be conducted before the demarcation begins.

Tumusiime clarified that the exercise is not intended to evict people from their land but to establish and clearly mark the boundaries of the wetland systems.

Robert Mugume, the Buliisa District Secretary for Works, Production and Natural Resources, who represented the LC5 Chairperson, also called for thorough sensitisation of communities before the exercise begins.

Mugume warned that the exercise could face resistance because of widespread wetland encroachment in some parts of the district.

David Mwanjere, a paleontologist from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said protecting wetlands was important for conserving ecosystems and helping communities cope with the effects of climate change.

Gilbert Ituka, an environmental scientist and researcher associated with the Ministry of Water and Environment, said wetlands play an important role in reducing flooding, filtering polluted water and providing habitats for wildlife.

Anke Barahukwa, Senior Programmes Manager and researcher at Nature Uganda, urged local leaders to support community sensitisation on the importance of wetland conservation and the laws governing wetlands.

The Buliisa Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Denis Isingoma, welcomed the planned demarcation and directed Prand Engineering Limited to provide opportunities for unskilled labour to local residents as part of local content and corporate social responsibility.

Isingoma also said the RDC’s office would intervene in the event of resistance to the exercise.

The demarcation is expected to provide clearer boundaries for the wetland systems and support efforts by authorities and communities to prevent further encroachment.