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Use of wetland divides UN, Entebbe conservationists
The disputed wetland in Entebbe has prompted protests if the UN gets rid of it. PHOTO BY MARTIN SSEBUYIRA
Environmentalists in Entebbe have protested a move by the UN peace-keeping missions in Africa base to reclaim a wetland adjacent to its offices.
“We know the UN as a body that upholds people’s rights and respects the environment. It wouldn’t start dumping soil in a wetland just after the regional base starts operating,” Mr David Sekate, an environment activist, said. Kinarwanda Wetland is a major catchment area for runoffs from Entebbe suburbs such as Kitooro, Lunyo and Kiwafu into Lake Victoria.
The wetland also filters sewage from a National Water and Sewerage Corporation pond near the base. The UN has from July 1 been expanding the Entebbe base. It has also been grading a piece of land between Entebbe Motel and Entebbe Road to expand its parking while dumping the soil in the wetland.
Mr Sekate said they are soliciting for signatures from people to take petitions to offices protesting the move. Mr David Mafabi, the commissioner for wetland inspections in the Ministry of Water and Environment, said they were not aware of the move but would send inspectors to the scene before coming with specific resolutions.
“I was not aware of it but we shall send there a team and latter make specific recommendations to that problem,” he said.
United Nations base spokesman Slobodan Kotevski refuted the ownership allegations, saying they do not intend to reclaim the wetland but agreed with Entebbe Municipal Council to dump soil on the dry land near the wetland.
“No, we are not extending towards the wetland. We know its a protected area,” he said, adding, “Our expansions are between Entebbe Motel and Entebbe Road where we intend to put a parking yard but not in the wetland.” He said UN upholds environment issues and has already launched a ‘go green’ campaign at the base.
Uganda signed a memorandum of understanding with the UN last year to have a service centre based in Uganda.
Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary James Mugume had earlier said 600 international and 10,000 national jobs will be advertised after accomplishment of the base.
