The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has tasked the government to give clear guidelines for land use patterns in response to the increased pressures on land and natural resources.

It has been established that Uganda is currently experiencing rising youthful population, the demand for land has surged, leading to its scarcity and skyrocketing costs.

While addressing the press at Uganda house on Wednesday, the Head of Media and Communications Muzeyi Faizo raised the concerns over the ongoing eviction operations by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to reclaim wetlands across several districts including Kampala, Arua, Wakiso, Mukono, Mbale and Mbarara.

“While protecting wetlands is crucial for ecological balance and climate regulation, there have been significant lapses by key stakeholders, central government, local authorities, and NEMA in preventing encroachments on these vital ecosystems.Human activities in wetlands, ranging from industrial settlements to agricultural expansion, pose severe threats to environment,”he said.

UPC applauded the government’s efforts to promote irrigation schemes but stressed that these initiatives must not compromise the protection of wetlands.

Muzeyi said that NEMA Should not practice selective eviction but apply fair and transparent enforcement of environmental laws.

“It is imperative that those affected by evictions receive adequate support and assistance from the government,”he urged NEMA.

UPC has asked the government to allow residents to first relocate their belongings before any demolitions occur in specified time given.

The party also revealed that successful resettlement strategies implemented in the past, such as relocating populations from Kigezi to other regions in the 1960s and 1970s to alleviate population pressures and mitigate environmental risks like landslides and floods.
“Opening up virgin areas for settlement schemes could provide viable solutions to accommodate our growing population while safeguarding our natural resources.This approach requires substantial investment but promises long-term benefits for sustainable development.”muzeyi said.

He argued that UPC is committed to the balancing development with environmental conservation in Uganda. As debates continue on how best to manage land resources amidst demographic shifts and environmental challenges.credit trustednewsug.com