By Ben Epeduno
KATAKWI
Former Ngariam County MP aspirant Michael Opio- Goal man has survived an arrest from the office of the RDC and DPC Katakwi for illegally encroaching into Aputon wetland in Aputon village, Aliakamer parish in Katakwi Sub County.
On Sunday 24th of April 2022, the RDC, the Acting DPC and the environment officer for Katakwi stormed Aputon Village where the community requested the relevant authorities in the District to intervene following the rampant encroachment of over 10 hectares of land being ploughed in Elany-Akiru swamp by the said person.
The community blamed James Oleo, a resident of the same area for giving out the land that doesn’t belong to him to Opio Michael to cultivate for rice. They said since God created the world, the wetland was not ploughed but only used for rearing animals.
The community say Okello claims to have got authority from the office of the RDC to grow rice in the contested wetland.
Opio Michael in his response, said he dint know the illegalities of encroaching on the wetland but said even many government personalities in other areas encroach on wetlands.
The LC3 for Katakwi Sub County, Hon. Elvis Ojula advised the leaders to desist from cultivating in wetlands saying it will make the community lose trust in government bylaws that are very clear.
The substantial Environment Officer for Katakwi District Mr. Simon Okello accused Goal-Man for ploughing the wetland using a government tractor that was recently donated to Katakwi from the President’s office.
He said the Vice President in mid-March gave 20 hand ploughing tractors to 20 sub counties in Katakwi and three big tractors to Usuk, Toroma and Ngariam County where Opio was given one tractor.
The acting DPC for Katakwi ASP Robert Oken promised to arrest Goal-man if he again attempts to encroach on any wetland.
Oken cautioned the public against fake dealings saying, police has learnt of politicians trying to deceive locals with little money so that they can be given to cultivate the wetlands.
Meanwhile, RDC for Katakwi retired Maj. Geoffrey Katamba forgave Opio and advised him not to step in any swamp without visiting environment office.
