A targeted crackdown on wetland encroachment in Bwikara Sub County, Kagadi district yesterday led to the destruction of approximately 20 acres of crop plantations illegally grown in protected wetland areas.
The operation, spanning two days, involved a coordinated effort by authorities including the RDC Kagadi, her deputy, DISO, UPDF officers, police officers, and support staff from the National Forestry Authority (NFA).
Specifically, the operation focused on Rwabituju and Mihemu Wetlands located in Nyakubebe and Kisura Villages.
Benjamin Tumusiime, Kagadi’s Deputy RDC, confirmed that the destroyed crops encompassed beans, onions, cabbages, and sugarcane.
These belonged to individuals who had been previously warned to vacate the area last year but had replanted for the current season.
This enforcement action aligns with a presidential directive aimed at restoring and conserving natural environments to mitigate climate-related impacts.
Commissioner Benjamin disclosed that similar operations will extend into Buyaga West and East in the upcoming days, emphasizing the continuation of efforts to uphold environmental protection directives.
Unlike the previous day, during which nine individuals were arrested, no arrests were made on the second day of the operation, as many encroachers had received prior warnings.
Gerald Byoona, Kagadi District Natural Resource Officer, attributed the persistence of encroachment to collusion between encroachers and local leaders.
He advised locals to maintain a 100-meter buffer zone from the main wetland to avoid legal repercussions.