KALUNGU- Environment law enforcement officers and police in Kalungu District have arrested eight people who have been encroaching on various wetlands in the district.
The suspects, currently detained at Kalungu Police Station, have been using the wetland for cultivation, brick laying and brewing local potent gin known as waragi.
The most affected wetlands include Mugumba, Kasebuti, Kawule and Kitamba, all in Kalungu District.
According to Mr Richard Vvube, the Kalungu District environment officer, the suspects have been warned several times to vacate the wetlands but they refused.
Quoting the National Environment Act and the National Wetlands Management Policy, Mr Vvube said the local government has the responsibility to conserve and protect wetlands on behalf of the public.
He added that if anyone wants to use the wetland, they have to follow the right procedure and inform district authorities on what they plan to do in the wetland and how it will be done.
“These people didn’t follow this procedure and will be charged with encroachment,” he added.
However, Disan Ssenyange, who confessed to illegally operating in the wetland, said he was only cultivating crops to support his family.
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com
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