By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE DISTRICT
Mbale district under environmental management program has donated 84 Heifers to those who have been growing rice in the wetlands of Khamoto located at Bungokho Sub County in Mbale district.
The initiative aims to provide alternative livelihoods to former wetland encroachers.
According to Charles Wakubye, the Mbale District Environmental Officer while speaking to our reporter on Monday, 3rd February, 84 encroachers were each given a Heifer to help them transition to new economic activities.
The government has prohibited human activities in wetlands, and those affected have been asked to vacate the areas.
The degradation rate of wetlands in Mbale District stands at 65%, which is alarmingly high. However, since the government begun sensitizing people about the dangers of encroaching on wetlands, there are signs of recovery.
Wakabuye says that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) donated 333 million shillings to support this restoration program which offers a range of alternatives, including cows, goats, sowing machines, and bird farming, depending on the individual’s preference during selection in May 2024 by district leaders through local leaders.
Naume Nakawala, the Mbale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, cautioned the beneficiaries to use the animals wisely and warned that selling them will result in arrest.
Beneficiaries like Shaban Lusalo and Peter Wataya expressed gratitude for the initiative and pledged to focus on cattle keeping as a new source of income.
Sarah Kharono and Rogers Mukwana also beneficiaries urged their colleagues still working in the wetlands to vacate the area to avoid environmental degradation.
