Museveni orders developers off wetlands
President Museveni has ordered developers in wetlands and forest reserves across the country to vacate as part of efforts to fight the adverse effects of climate change.
“We should consider the environment. All those in wetlands and forest reserves should get out because these are our strength. All our development programmes need water. Anybody who attacks water is our number one enemy,” Mr Museveni said.
The President made the remarks while at the Uganda Responsible Investment Summit and award gala hosted by Public Opinions International on Friday.
Mr Museveni commended the organisers for the initiative, saying it was part of government policy to promote responsible investment in the country.
“I thank you for awarding me for being a champion of peace and development. This award is for freedom fighters for bringing peace in the country. The changes in Uganda are not by accident and this is just the beginning. The GDP of Uganda is $35b but this is not much because American companies have capital equal to the GDP of Uganda and Kenya,” he said.
Mr Museveni, who was awarded alongside the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (Nape), also said there is need to do more after the country attained peace.
Investment climate
“Investors not only come because of peace but also liberalisation. They do not want to be stopped from taking out their money the way they want. In Uganda, the currency is fully convertible and many companies are coming here because of that freedom,” he added.
A total of 50 companies and organisations were awarded for contributing towards the country’s vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through promoting and upholding international best practices and standards in environment protection.
Mr Frank Muramuzi, the executive director of Nape, welcomed Mr Museveni’s directive, saying sustainable development can only be achieved with the presence of sustainable environment protection.
“It is a great message from the head of state that all those in wetlands and forest reserves should be punished and get out. This is in line with public opinion on achieving sustainable development goals,” Mr Muramuzi said.
Mr Paul Gum Dhel, the coordinator of Public Opinions International, said Uganda has played a significant role in providing security in the region, adding that it needs reliable empowerment to responsible investment.
It is time to know that an investor in Uganda is not only a foreigner but can be a national who invest in the economy to create jobs the citizens,” Mr Dhel said, adding that Mr Museveni’s award was a sign of honour for the decision of the Ugandans to host investments.
