4 November 2009
Masaka — Encroachers have taken over at least 500 hectares of wetlands in Masaka District, destroying the fragile eco-system in the area.
Environmental officers in Masaka District say more than 1,200 farmers have ignored calls to vacate the wetlands.
The most affected wetlands include Nabajjuzi in Masaka, which covers an area of 2,144 hectares.
It is a papyrus swamp that links the Katonga River, to Kabonera Sub County in Masaka District.
Connected to the Nabajjuzi is the Lake Nabugabo which is also encroached.
The wetlands are protected by the Ministry of Lands, Water and Environment and are also a protected Ramsar Site, listed as one of the wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Mr John Kabeho, the Masaka wetlands officer, says farming is taking place in the areas of Gambuze, Lwensusule, Gulama, Kumbu Housing Estate, Kyabakuza, and Mwaalo.
He said endangered birds and animals like the Shoe Bill Stork and the elusive web-footed Sitatunga antelope are threatened with extinction.
Mr Kabeho blames the political leadership in Masaka for frustrating efforts to stop the encroachment in the district.
Refusal to vacate
Last year, encroachers on the wetlands refused to vacate them when they were ordered to do so.
They said they would not set foot out of the protected areas until they were compensated.
Mr Tony Mutagubya, a tour guide at the Nature Uganda Masaka Centre, said tourists might be turned away because unique bird species like the Papyrus Yellow Warbler and the Grey Crowned Crane have migrated from the swamps.
"The threat to the wetlands is not only affecting wildlife, but community-based eco-tourism," he said.
Around Lake Nabugabo, it is high-end investors who are being accused of causing devastating damage.
At least five hectares of the wetland have been destroyed by the construction of campsites, hotels and beach fronts making the future of the area's eco-system bleak.
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