NEMA Rolls Out Conservation Campaigns To Save Wetlands In Entebbe 

Due to skyrocketing depletion of wetlands in areas of Katabi Town Council and Wakiso district, the National Environment Management Authority has kick started sensitization campaigns to create awareness among locals on the importance of preserving wetlands.

The awareness  sensitization campaign began with training of local leaders from 23 villages within Katabi Town Council, who convened at the Council headquarters, where they were equipped with  knowledge regarding protection and conservation of wetlands.

 The move is intended to empower  grassroots leaders sensitized with   knowledge so that they can educate their communities and take  more active roles  in conservation efforts.

Nicholas Mugabe, an official of NEMA  for Katabi and Kajjansi, emphasized the importance of involving local leaders.

 “We encounter various challenges in enforcing NEMA directives, especially resistance from influential individuals. By equipping local leaders, we can ensure this information reaches the community more effectively.

One of the area chairpersons from the selected villages Mr. Zubair Kalangwa appreciated this move saying  that ever since he assumed office a decade ago, this was his first sensitization training by NEMA.

“Since assuming office years ago, we’ve never had such an opportunity. This is a great starting point for educating our people on environmental protection.”

Katabi Town Council Mayor Kalema Ronald who is under pressure  for allegedly allowing encroachers to degrade the wetland near Nkumba dumpsite, amplified his voice on the relevance of wetland conservation adding that informed communities are more likely to report encroachers and collaborate with authorities. 

Mayor Ronald Kalema Basamuleke revealed that wetland  areas such as Kitubulu, Nambigirwa, Kabaale, and Bukandekande are severely  depleted and that making timely interventions like this training is so critical and could save more damages.