The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has called upon the government, through the Ministry of Water and Environment and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), to take action against individuals or companies that encroach on wetlands and forests.

According to the party, the effects of climate change caused by these encroachers are real and are starting to be seen with the rains and floods.

The UPC spokesperson, Sharon Arach, made these remarks during the party’s weekly press release on May 15, 2023, at the party headquarters in Uganda House, Kampala.

Arach emphasized that the government and all stakeholders ought to enforce rules against environmental encroachers.

“We have witnessed people construct in wetlands and forests; the best examples are Namanve, which was a swamp that is now an industry hub, and Mabira Forest, which has been deforested as there are hotels, schools, and cottages in the middle of the forest. NEMA should implement strict rules for these so-called untouchables who are destroying our environment because when nature attacks, it does not know the untouchables,” Ayat said.

The spokesperson also advised the citizens to check their general hygiene, stating that the rains affecting different parts of the country could cause waterborne diseases like cholera, which could lead to the loss of lives.

“Rains have already affected areas of Karamoja, Bugisu, Dokolo Kasese, and parts of Entebbe where roads have been cut off and lives have been lost. We call upon the citizens to maintain good hygiene since these floods come along with waterborne diseases like cholera,” she added.

Recently, the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Management, together with the Ministry of Water and Environment, cautioned citizens who stay near water bodies and hills to relocate as a lot of rain and flooding are expected.