100 signatures reached
To: The Parliament of Uganda
Lubigi Wetland Restoration.
A significant number of families, including over 300 households with 691 school-going children and 23 special needs children, have been affected by the ongoing restorations in the Lubigi Wetland. Among these families are elderly individuals, pregnant mothers, and parents living in dire conditions. Due to the demolition of their households, which included pit latrines, many people have been forced to spend over 100 days sleeping in harsh environments surrounded by garbage and human waste. Consequently, this has led to numerous health issues, including cases of typhoid, malaria, and even a tragic lost pregnancy. Additionally, the community has reported instances of harassment by the police, further exacerbating their distress.
The situation is made worse by the fact that despite having legal ownership of their houses and land dating back to the 1930s, the affected residents have not been offered any relocation options or compensation. Although the restoration of the wetland is not opposed, the inhumane approach with the lack of consideration for the affected community is deeply concerning. It is worth noting that thousands of people depend on the affected families for their livelihood.
Originally, Lubigi was a stream named after the Late Muligi George. However, due to the government's failure to maintain the water passage, the stream became clogged, leading to an overflow onto people's land, thus transforming the area into a wetland. Furthermore, the diversion of the stream now directly impacts human settlements.
In conclusion, we share the global concern for wetland restoration, but it should not come at the expense of a vulnerable community. All we ask is for the government to provide relocation options or compensate for the damages, ensuring a peaceful resolution. Failure to address this may lead to dire consequences. Thank you.
The situation is made worse by the fact that despite having legal ownership of their houses and land dating back to the 1930s, the affected residents have not been offered any relocation options or compensation. Although the restoration of the wetland is not opposed, the inhumane approach with the lack of consideration for the affected community is deeply concerning. It is worth noting that thousands of people depend on the affected families for their livelihood.
Originally, Lubigi was a stream named after the Late Muligi George. However, due to the government's failure to maintain the water passage, the stream became clogged, leading to an overflow onto people's land, thus transforming the area into a wetland. Furthermore, the diversion of the stream now directly impacts human settlements.
In conclusion, we share the global concern for wetland restoration, but it should not come at the expense of a vulnerable community. All we ask is for the government to provide relocation options or compensate for the damages, ensuring a peaceful resolution. Failure to address this may lead to dire consequences. Thank you.
Why is this important?
It is important because people have spent decades and decades of their lives here. Setting up livelihoods passing the family land to several descendants and the government was all silent.
After finding the possible investors they start to disturb people through NEMA(National Environment Management Authority) but regardless so many rich people stayed in the same area with question. Ie Stabex Headquarters, Kombucha Beverage company etc. Those rich people are looking for billions but the poor are only looking for livelihoods. There is a big difference.
We need urgent intervention because to be honest we are losing patience.
After finding the possible investors they start to disturb people through NEMA(National Environment Management Authority) but regardless so many rich people stayed in the same area with question. Ie Stabex Headquarters, Kombucha Beverage company etc. Those rich people are looking for billions but the poor are only looking for livelihoods. There is a big difference.
We need urgent intervention because to be honest we are losing patience.