The ministry of water and Environment officially launched a wetland Management Plan for the Nalugugu, Komirya, Simu-Muyembe wetlands which span across the districts of Sironko, Bukedea and Bulambuli in a bid to safeguard Uganda's fragile wetland ecosystems .

The launch ceremony took place on Thursday 10th July 2025 at Kachumbala headquarters in Bukedea district brought together key government officials, development partners and civil society representatives from the the three beneficiary districts . This initiative marks an approach to sustainable wetland use , conservation and climate change adaption in Uganda's eastern region.

While speaking at the end, Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, the permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment emphasised the urgency of reversing wetland degradation and growing climate threats

" Wetlands are not just water bodies, they are natural shock absorbers carbon sinks and lifelines for millions of Ugandans . This launch of this management plan is a commitment to protect these invaluable ecosystems while promoting suitainable livelihood ." He said

He also continued to emphasize on the need to have the management plans but in practical and not only remain on paper .

The Nalugugu, Komirya and Simu- Muyembe wetlands serve as a crucial catchment area for the Lake Kyoga basin and play a vita role . However there wetlands have come under increasing pressure from encroachment, drainage cultivation.

The ministry received funding from the African Development Bank Group and the Global Environment Facility for the development of the " Strengthening the Adaptive Capacity and Resilience of Communities in Uganda's water sheds - Awoja catchment ( SaCRiAC) project

The project consists of four components which include Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development, Institutional and Community Capacity Development, Climate information and early warning systems , Project Management and Adaption learning.

Dr Felly Mugizi. , the National project Coordinator of the project explained that the plan should be accompanied by technical support and climate adaptions .

The Ministry of Environment with support of the SaCRiAC project is committed to closely monitor the implementation of the plan and ensuring that community voices remain at the heart of decision making .