By Editorial,
President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the importance of protecting environmental assets as a crucial element for Uganda’s and Africa’s success during his 61st Independence Anniversary Speech.
He noted that assets like wetlands, forests, rivers, lakes, and water towers are vital for providing essential life-sustaining resources: air, water, and food, and therefore must be safeguarded.
He stressed that as long as rainfall and water supply are maintained, there will always be enough food, including that supported by irrigation, and ample water for drinking and other human needs.
To address issues related to wetlands, particularly in regions like Bukedi-Busoga and Kigezi, Museveni proposed assisting those involved in wetland rice-growing to transition to either rice cultivation through irrigation on non-wetland land or fish farming at the edges of the wetlands to allow wetland rejuvenation.
He emphasized that only residential houses and hotels adhering to environmental regulations, such as tree planting and maintaining green spaces, would be allowed near rivers and lakes. END.