NAMANYA

Farmers in Rubanda district are ignoring a presidential directive to vacate and restore wetlands, proceeding to plant Irish potatoes for the upcoming September season.

 This defiance comes despite the government’s directive last October aimed at conserving degraded environments, which had led to evictions across the Kigezi sub-region, leaving many farmers displaced.

In Rubanda district, farmers are choosing to plant Irish potatoes for the upcoming September season, disregarding the presidential directive to vacate and restore wetlands.

Our reporter found farmers actively cultivating in the wetlands as the day ended. The farmers argue that limited land availability and the significant benefits of wetland cultivation for food and income compel them to continue farming in these areas. They express concern about the potential impact if they are evicted again, urging the government to allow cultivation in wetlands and to provide alternative land.

Local leaders and activists in the region had previously condemned the eviction of farmers from the wetlands in the region claiming that these defined their livelihoods.

State Minister for Water and Environment, Beatrice Anywar, stated that Kigezi, Bukedea, and Busoga sub-regions have specific presidential guidance due to past misleading settlements in wetlands. The president has directed compensation for residents in these regions to facilitate their smooth relocation. Anywar is engaging with development partners to secure alternative solutions and prevent further conflicts.

Currently, NEMA's eviction operations in Wakiso are rendering many people homeless.