Leaders in Mitooma district have been urged to take the lead in the fight for wetland restoration, leveraging their influence and the respect they command from the communities they serve.

This call was made today by Benon Karyeija, the Mitooma district chairperson, during a meeting with a team from the Green Climate Fund and the Ministry of Water and Environment to assess ongoing wetland restoration efforts within the district. The meeting was held at the district headquarters.

Karyeija pointed out that many wetlands are occupied by leaders and officials who should be at the forefront of advocating for restoration. He emphasized the need for these leaders to set an example by maintaining existing wetlands and restoring those that have been lost.

Okurut David, a commissioner from the Ministry of Water and Environment, highlighted that they have been collaborating with the Green Climate Fund and other partners for the past six years to promote wetland restoration. This includes educating communities about the importance of leaving wetlands and exploring alternative livelihood activities that do not harm these vital ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Francis Kibuka Amooti, the Mitooma district Resident District Commissioner (RDC), stressed the importance of understanding the ecological role of wetlands in combating climate change. He urged communities to refrain from destroying these areas, as it is a government directive for them to vacate wetland zones.