By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE
The Mbale District Environment Enforcement Team has revealed the 21 Wetlands where encroachers will soon be evicted following President Museveni’s directive.
The 21 Wetlands are Nagaiyira, Nabunofu, lwangosha, Tumbu, Namaryaye, Wanzila, Nerima, Nasasa, Namunyu, Wututu, Wakhaboko, Rumbula, Lutembete, Nashilokho-Nabakhasi, Matibo, Nakunuku, Wipi, Nagiba, Wawuyo-matolotolo, Worikipi, Nagirima, and Nashangile Kangole.
This was revealed by Charles Wakube, the Mbale District Environmental Officer during a wetland enforcement & monitoring team operation carried out on Thursday, 4th July, 2024 where five encroachers were arrested at Watsira wetland located along mailo six at Mbale -Tororo road, Bumbobi Sub County, Mbale district.
The suspects are William Khaukha, Sarah Neumbe, Alex Mutambo, Kakai Sharon and Juliet Mukete all residents of Bumbobi sub county in Mbale district.
While speaking to our reporter after enforcement, Wakube says that these suspects were found carrying out illegal activities of farming (rice growing) at Watsira wetland.
He says that they have started a crackdown on people who have encroached on wetlands and other natural resources at Mbale district.
Wakube urged people living in those wetlands to vacate before the team gets them there saying their crops, and houses will be demolished and they will also be arrested.
Getting a comment from Rogers Taitika the Elgon region police spokesperson person was futile by press time after saying that he had not yet been briefed.
The suspects are currently being detained at Busoba police station waiting to appear in courts of law.
