National Environment Management Authority is asking all Ugandans with developments in wetlands to vacate and relocate the developments to safer areas.the warning comes in as NEMA plans swift action against individuals who have built in wetlands while others are operating there illegally.
As part of efforts to fight the adverse effects of climate change,President Museveni has also consistently ordered developers in wetlands and forest reserves across the country to vacate.
NEMA'S Executive director Dr Akankwasa Barirega says the organization does not want to cause losses to individuals thus an early warning asking them to voluntarily leave the wetlands.
" All those in wetlands and forest reserves should get out because once we start acting,we dont have plans to compensate anybody " says Akannkwasa.
NEMAS move is backed up by a presidential directive to have wetlands freed freed to as to maintain them as catchment areas.How ever the environment watchdog is facing challenges where many individuals are possessing land titles in wetlands.
NEMA'S executive director is advising the public who have acquired land in wetlands should not build in wetland to avoid loosing their money.
NEMA has has stepped up sensitization to encourage self regulation on land use and protection of wetlands as enshrined in the national environment act.NEMA says it doesn't pride in destruction and causing financial losses ,the reason they are advising the public to do self regulation.
