President Museveni tackled the wetlands crisis during his visit to Kaliro district residents. The leader pushed for protecting these water sources through talks rather than force. He reminded crowds that wetlands once covered 20 percent of Uganda's territory. Farmers have been clearing these areas for rice and sugarcane crops over many years. The president warned this practice cannot continue because it damages the environment.
Museveni shared profits from his personal farming ventures to prove his point. His fish ponds at Kawumu farm generate 80 million shillings per acre each year. Rice farmers working wetland plots earn just 4 million shillings from the same space. The president also highlighted successful banana farming in Bushenyi where irrigation boosted harvests dramatically. He plans to organize trips to Limoto in Pallisa district where wetlands became profitable without environmental damage.
Local politicians welcomed the president's hands-on approach to solving the problem. MP Sanon Bwiire stressed the need for proper training when people leave wetland farming. Many residents have struggled with government programs that provided alternative income sources. Teopista Naisanga received two cows but both animals died within months. Monica Musekwa got beehives but never learned proper beekeeping techniques.
District chairperson Elijah Kagoda believes presidential involvement could change everything. Previous government efforts have failed because different agencies worked separately. The president's direct leadership might convince farmers to protect wetlands for future generations.
Museveni shared profits from his personal farming ventures to prove his point. His fish ponds at Kawumu farm generate 80 million shillings per acre each year. Rice farmers working wetland plots earn just 4 million shillings from the same space. The president also highlighted successful banana farming in Bushenyi where irrigation boosted harvests dramatically. He plans to organize trips to Limoto in Pallisa district where wetlands became profitable without environmental damage.
Local politicians welcomed the president's hands-on approach to solving the problem. MP Sanon Bwiire stressed the need for proper training when people leave wetland farming. Many residents have struggled with government programs that provided alternative income sources. Teopista Naisanga received two cows but both animals died within months. Monica Musekwa got beehives but never learned proper beekeeping techniques.
District chairperson Elijah Kagoda believes presidential involvement could change everything. Previous government efforts have failed because different agencies worked separately. The president's direct leadership might convince farmers to protect wetlands for future generations.
