By Racheal N Namuli
In response to increasing encroachment on wetlands in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has launched a targeted training program for local council leaders to emphasize the importance of wetland preservation.
Leaders from all 23 villages within Katabi convened at the Town Council headquarters, where they received critical knowledge on protecting wetlands. The initiative aims to empower these grassroots leaders to educate their communities and take a more active role in conservation efforts.
Nicholas Mugabe, NEMA’s representative for Katabi and Kajjansi, emphasized the importance of involving local leaders. “We face numerous challenges in enforcing NEMA directives, especially resistance from influential individuals. By equipping local leaders, we can ensure this information reaches the community more effectively,” Mugabe noted.
LCII Chairman Kalangwa Zubair welcomed the initiative, saying, “Since assuming office years ago, we’ve never had such an opportunity. This is a great starting point for educating our people on environmental protection.”
Katabi Town Council Mayor Kalema Ronald echoed the sentiment, stating that informed communities are more likely to report encroachers and collaborate with authorities, helping reduce wetland degradation.
Wetlands in areas such as Kitubulu, Nambigirwa, Kabaale, and Bukandekande are already nearing depletion, making timely interventions like this training all the more critical.
