LIRA, October 23, 2024 – Women council leaders in the Lango Sub-region have urged responsible agencies to enforce the national law on the environment without discrimination to combat wetland encroachment in the subregion.
At a meeting held at the Lira District Council Hall, women leaders from Lira district and Lira City expressed concerns that the National Environment Act, 2019 is being applied selectively, favouring wealthy individuals and those in prominent political positions.
The meeting, organised by a local non-governmental organisation, Divine Agency and Integrated Development in partnership with GIZ, focused on issues of wetland encroachment and climate change.
Santa Angela, a former district councillor, highlighted that penalties for wetland encroachment have not been adequately enforced in Lira district and Lira city. “Wealthy businessmen and women have encroached on wetlands, while law enforcement focuses solely on the poor who cultivate the wetlands for survival,” she said.
Her remarks followed a presentation by District Wetland Officer Walter Ocen, who stated that individuals found destroying wetlands could face up to 15 years in prison or fines of at least Shs 3 million. He also noted that dumping waste in wetlands could result in fines of Shs 6 million or similar prison sentences.
Angela pointed to the Burlobo wetland in Adekokwok, Lira city, as an example where a wealthy individual has encroached without any repercussions from authorities. “The communities are powerless to act. This individual has taken control of the wetland as if no laws or leaders exist,” she added.
Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole acknowledged the issue, stating that encroachers have been advised to vacate the wetlands. He noted that since 2022, approximately 65 percent of the wetlands within Lira City have been restored, although some individuals remain unwilling to leave peacefully.
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