Fort Portal Municipality Member of Parliament Alex Ruhunda has condemned the ongoing wetland degradation in areas such as Ntinda, Najjera, Kira, and Kyaliwanjala, warning that unchecked encroachment is putting the health of Lake Victoria at significant risk.

Ruhunda criticized Environment Minister Beatrice Anywar’s claims that 800 hectares of wetlands had been restored in 2024/2025, citing weak enforcement of environmental laws in Kampala and Wakiso districts.

The Ministry of Water and Environment is working to restore 28,997 square kilometers of wetlands, up from 22,457 square kilometers, with an estimated budget of UGX 976.8 billion under the National Development Plan IV.

However, Minister Anywar expressed concerns before the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, stating that a 54% budget cut for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 has hampered these restoration efforts.

Ruhunda has called for stronger action from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and local governments to halt wetland encroachment, particularly in areas where construction materials like murrum are being dumped.

He linked this unchecked degradation to frequent city flooding, urging the government to allocate more funds to enhance enforcement measures and prevent future environmental disasters.

END