Uganda Stops Chinese Companies From Destroying the Environment

floodsThe Ministry of Lands, Water and Environment has temporarily halted excavation and water diversion activities by a Chinese company at a trans-border wetland in Luweero District for lack of an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

The assistant commissioner in-charge of policy and enforcement in the ministry of Environment, Mr Joseph Ongol, together with the commander of the Environment Protection Police, Mr Taire Idwege, yesterday ordered Kohong Uganda Industries Development Limited to halt work at the site until an EIA certificate is issued.

“We are not stopping the project but we want everything to be done in line with the law governing the use of wetlands. The project is for the benefit of Ugandans as outlined but we also need to do things in the right way. The inspection team directs that you in the meantime halt the activities as we resolve the problem,” Mr Ongol told the Chinese firm officials.

Mr Tang Zong Jun, the project team leader, failed to provide any working papers in regard to the project. He only insisted that the commencement of the project went through the right channels and aims at helping Ugandans boost trade and agriculture.

Mr Anthony Mula, the private secretary in charge of economic monitoring in the Office of the Vice President, had earlier raised objections on the mandate of the Environment ministry to issue the order against the investors yet discussions for the project had been between government departments in line with President Museveni’s initiative to attract investors.

However, his pleas fell on deaf ears. The project team has also failed to respond to concerns by Nakasongola District officials who have already petitioned the National Environment and Management Authority.

Value of the wetland

According to the district environment officer, Mr James Kunobere, the trans-border wetland is a leeway for Lake Kyoga where the district and residents derive income through fishing.

“We are also concerned about the ecosystem. The water diversions, channel digging currently taking place may affect the ecosystem. This is the reason why we are demanding for an environment impact assessment report. Why should they deny us this important information yet it is a requirement?” Mr Kunobere said in an interview.

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