MUSEVENI DECLARES 2025 THE YEAR OF WETLAND ACTION
GOVERNMENT STEPS UP WETLAND CONSERVATION EFFORTS
By Paul Kamugisha | February 3, 2025 | EcoNews
RUBIRIZI: President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Uganda’s wetlands, emphasizing their critical role in climate regulation, biodiversity, and national development.
Speaking through Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo during the World Wetlands Day celebrations in Rubirizi District, Museveni declared 2025 as the Year of Wetland Action. He urged Ugandans to champion conservation efforts for a secure future, underscoring the government’s pledge to promote sustainable wetland management.
“We have made significant decisions, including the establishment of the Environment Protection Police Unit, cancellation of erroneous titles in wetlands, gazettement, restoration, and demarcation of wetland boundaries,” Museveni highlighted.
KEY POLICIES AND NATIONAL TARGETS
The president outlined Uganda’s comprehensive legal framework for environmental conservation, including the National Environment Act 2019 and the Constitution. He announced the approval of a 10-year Environment and Natural Resources Restoration Action Plan aimed at restoring ecosystems and strengthening wetland conservation.
“We have made progress from considering wetlands as wastelands to recognizing them as valuable national assets. Coverage of intact wetlands has increased from 8.9% in 2015 to 9.3% today. However, we must push further to reach 12% by 2040,” Museveni added.
WETLANDS: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS AND CARBON SINKS
The president stressed the crucial role wetlands play in rainfall formation, water balance, and carbon absorption. He called for increased innovation and value chains in wetland resource management.
“Academia and private sectors must innovate around wetland resources. Companies like MAKA Pads, which produce sanitary towels from papyrus, are exemplary,” he noted.
URGENT CALL TO ACTION FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Museveni commended local governments for their proactive approach to managing wetlands and called on Ugandans to take responsibility by reporting and halting wetland degradation.
“The Ministry of Water and Environment must double its efforts. Let us promote irrigation off the wetlands, fish farming at wetland edges, and value addition to wetland products,” he urged.
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND SUPPORT
State Minister for Environment Beatrice Anywar emphasized the global urgency for wetland conservation, noting that wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests.
“The consequences of environmental degradation are here—high temperatures, erratic rains, and crop failure. Globally, disasters like wildfires, cyclones, and floods are increasing,” she remarked.
David Okurut, Commissioner for Wetlands, appealed for increased investments from partners to protect and restore wetlands. He acknowledged support from key stakeholders, including UNDP, GIZ, WWF, the Royal Danish Embassy, and the EU.
PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT CRUCIAL
Museveni urged the private sector to join conservation efforts, stating that wetland preservation is essential for Uganda’s survival and socio-economic development.
“Our survival depends on this,” he emphasized, appealing to all Ugandans to adopt sustainable practices and support wetland protection.
UNITED FOR WETLANDS: A NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
The president concluded with a powerful message: “Let us unite to protect our wetlands. This is not just for the government—it’s for every Ugandan. Together, we can secure a better future.”
