Swamps in Bukedea District were seen as unproductive and this due to the high levels of encroachment, illegal cultivation and and climate change that had turned once thriving swamps into bareen grounds . However today these swaps are being restored and giving life and transforming the livelihoods of people.

The initiative spear headed by the government of Uganda in partnership with Green Climate Fund and United Nations Development Programme worth 159million is geared at seeing how to protect nature and yield economic and social transformation.

The initiative that has seen 83km/950 hectares of Komirya Wetland System demarcated and restored. The wetland system that runs through 5 subcounties of Bukedea, Kolir , Kabarwa , Kamutur and Kangole .

Alupo Jessica a resident of Pipe Village , Akouro Parish appreciates the initiative by the Government on the Sensitisation on the right use of wetlands.
"We had cleared the wetlands for rice growing which was very illegal and we severely had negative consequences. However with this initiative of restoring the wetlands and various restoration methods such as removing illegal drains , replanting indigenous vegetation and tree and halting on the cultivation , the eco life has been restored .

She also continued to appreciate the government for the alternative livelihood programs that saw 218 farmers receive sheep for survival .
This has improved on the livelihood of the people as they can be able to sale the off springs for the children to go to school .

David Oluka, Senior Environment Officer appreciated the support the government and it's partners are providing by giving alternate sources of livelihood to the people along the Komirya Wetland System . He also commended the people for adhering the call of the government to leave the habitation of the wetlands .

" Using the wetland for the illegal activities like cultivations is a danger to the ecosystem as it completely alters the eco system .

Swamp restoration is helping communities in Bukedea to become resilient to the effects of climate change as swamps act as a natural sponge in absorbing floods during heavy rains and slowly releasing water during dry periods