President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed individuals living and operating in wetlands to vacate peacefully.
“I have noticed some scuffles between the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and people occupying wetlands. My advice to those in the wetlands is to leave peacefully. I have heard comments questioning why NEMA did not stop these constructions initially. But why should it be NEMA’s responsibility? Can’t people see they are in a swamp? One doesn’t need NEMA to tell them they are in a swamp. Even NEMA should not bear this responsibility, as they lack sufficient manpower,” he said.
The President made these remarks while officiating at the 3rd Annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Conference and Dissemination of the Local Government Management of Service Delivery Report and Parish Development Model (PDM) Implementation at Speke Resort, Munyonyo.
The two-day conference was attended by Resident District/City Commissioners (RDCs/RCCs), District Chairpersons, City and Municipal Mayors, Government Officials, Development Partners, Private Sector representatives, and others. It ran under the theme: “Strengthening Localization and Service Delivery Mechanisms for National Development and SDG Acceleration and Transformation.”
According to President Museveni, the only people he offered to help are those in Busoga, Bukedi, and Kigezi who were misled by colonial and early independence governments to settle in swamps.
“They misled our people to grow swamp rice in the Kibimba swamp. If anyone claims they have been there for a long time, that is not true. I fought in the Luwero Triangle and knew every swamp there when capturing Kampala; no one was in the swamps then. People moved into the swamps knowingly, often with the collusion of local leaders. I want NEMA to explain why they have not held Parish Chiefs, Gombolola Chiefs, and GISOs accountable for this,” he wondered.
President Museveni further explained that encroaching on wetlands leads to adverse effects like desertification.
“Uganda will become a desert if this continues. Wetlands contribute 40 percent of our rainfall and are vital for irrigation. Our plan to stabilize agriculture through irrigation will fail if wetlands are drained. Those in the swamps are threatening our future by risking desertification and loss of irrigation water. Wetlands are sources of wealth, providing resources like grass for mulching, papyrus, and mudfish, and they filter water,” he said.
President Museveni also stressed that the much-desired SDGs can only be achieved through socio-economic transformation.
The Sustainable Development Goals aim to create a better and more sustainable future for all, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and more.
“As I have said before, achieving SDGs requires socio-economic transformation,” he stated.
He explained that programs similar to SDGs have existed since the 1960s, aiming to enhance sectors like education and health.
“But without a focus on ideology and strategy, countries struggle. Nations like China and Vietnam have undergone socio-economic transformation by identifying fundamentals. Even capitalist countries like South Korea have achieved this transformation. Sustainable development goals cannot be achieved without socio-economic transformation, which is a core principle of the NRM,” the President noted.
President Museveni emphasized that socio-economic transformation can also be achieved if adults actively engage in four economic sectors: commercial agriculture, industry/manufacturing, services, and ICT.
“Infrastructure is crucial for transformation. At a recent World Bank meeting in Nairobi with President Ruto, I stressed that sustainable development requires infrastructure. Factories need electricity, and production needs affordable transport like railways. These are essential,” he said.
“The partners discuss social issues like education and health but often overlook economic transformation. Economic transformation is necessary to address social factors sustainably.”
The President also decried the high level of corruption in the country, which hampers development, and urged Ugandans to combat the vice collectively.
“Our biggest problem now is corruption. It occurs at all levels, from districts to sub-counties and constituencies. I have declared war on corruption, so be sure you are not in my gunsight. We must not let our people down. On Heroes Day, we honored those who died for us, yet corrupt individuals divert funds. The IGG estimates that Shs 10 trillion is diverted annually, enough to tarmac all necessary roads in five years. Do not tolerate corruption wherever you are,” he said.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja noted that this year’s conference focuses on Uganda’s 3rd Voluntary National Review Report, to be presented at the high-level political forum in New York in July 2024.
“Your Excellency, last month I informed you that Uganda will present her 3rd Voluntary National Review Report at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where I will lead the Ugandan Delegation,” she said.
She added that Uganda’s progress in socio-economic transformation and SDG implementation will be showcased at the forum.
The Prime Minister also commended President Museveni for the peace and security in the country, which has allowed people to conduct business freely.
Minister for Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, informed the President that the PDM program is performing well across the country.
“Your Excellency, you provided Shs 100 million per parish last year, and I am pleased to report that districts have performed exceptionally well, disbursing between 98 and 100 percent of the funds. This Financial Year, we disbursed Shs 50 million per parish, with another Shs 50 million to be disbursed before the year’s end. Parliament has approved Shs 100 million per parish for the next Financial Year,” he said.
United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Susan Namondo, congratulated Uganda on its development achievements.
“Mr. President, you have initiated an impressive and transformative ten-fold economic growth strategy. It is bold, and we commend you for that. We look forward to supporting you as best we can. The government and civil society organizations must align in their support for the development agenda,” she said
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