By Our Reporter
SOROTI
Residents and leaders in Gweri County, Soroti district, are sounding the alarm over alarming reports that influential individuals, claiming to have close connections to the government, are scheming to seize their vital Gweri wetland without their consent.
Kupuliano Omoit, a 77-year-old resident of Omasitei trading center, shared that rumors are swirling about unnamed parties planning to take over their wetland. This area is essential for raising their cattle, pigs, and other livestock, and the community is united in their determination to protect it.
Young locals Daniel Eriamu, Rashid Ekuwe, and Stephen Anapa expressed grave concern that the loss of the wetland would significantly impact farmers and herdsmen. They highlighted its critical role in providing resources like fishing opportunities and thatching grass.
Eriamu raised a troubling question about the frequent sightings of a small aircraft flying over the wetland, stirring further speculation.
Simon Aliau, a youth from Omugenya village, noted that the potential takeover of the wetland has instilled deep fear among residents.
Charles Aburu Odeke, a fisherman from Dokolo parish, emphasized that the disappearance of the wetland would plunge families into severe poverty, as their livelihoods depend on it.
Fellow fisherman Martin Aloikin urged local leaders to take a stand and help secure the wetland to ensure a brighter future for their children.
Simon Peter Opolot, the Gweri sub-county LC3 Chairperson, confirmed that there have been multiple attempts by various influential figures to bribe him into allowing the wetland to be handed over to ‘investors.’
He stressed that this issue transcends politics, criticizing those who exploit the busy political climate to encroach on communal grazing lands while residents are distracted.
Opolot urged residents to stay on high alert for any unfamiliar faces around the wetland, as they may have intentions to encroach on their grazing land.
Tom Julius Ekudo, the Gweri County MP, has confirmed that he received reports regarding a team whose details he has not disclosed to the press. They had planed to visit the Gweri wetland on November 14th, 2025, to evaluate its potential for investment opportunities but failed to appear there.
According to him, these so-called investors—who remain unnamed—are looking to determine if the wetland is suitable for the construction of factories, cattle keeping and other developments.
Ekudo has made it clear that he will not permit any appropriation of land in the name of investment, emphasizing that local leadership, including the LC3, LC5 committees, and community members, have not been consulted about these plans.
“No matter how appealing an investor might seem, I will not allow them access to that wetland. If anyone is interested in claiming it, proper consultation with the community is essential. The wetland is vital for our cattle, firewood, vegetable farming, and fishing, among other activities. We are committed to protecting it and will be vigilant about any vehicles stopping in the area,” he stated.
He also suggested that the committee responsible for herdsmen should interrogate anyone seen stopping their vehicles at the wetland, as they could have ulterior motives regarding its future.
A local herdsman identifying himself as Epinyu expressed his confusion regarding the future of the wetland, unsure whether it is actually for sale. He noted that three MPs have been elected by misleading voters about government plans to take control of the wetland, yet no action has been taken.
“It seems some politicians are using this as a tactic to win votes. Since the report came out, no one has made any moves on the wetland,” Epinyu remarked.
Hajji Imran Muluga, the Soroti Resident District Commissioner, stated that he has not received any official word from the government about an investor looking to develop the Gweri wetland.
He suspects that, given the current political climate, this narrative is part of a strategy by politicians in Gweri to garner support from the electorate.
Muluga emphasized the need for community sensitization meetings to discuss the wetland issue with the people of Gweri.
The Gweri wetland spans from Kyere in Serere district, through Kapir in Ngora district, up to Kapujan in Katakwi District, and touches Amuria on one side.
