Environmentalists blame floods on construction of factories in wetlands

Environmentalists have blamed the floods that have devastated different communities in Uganda on the continued construction of factories in wetlands.

This comes as the country continues to grapple with floods and mudslides resulting from heavy rains that have pounded the Kigezi sub-region for days, and claimed at least 16 lives this week.

The floods also cut off more than 10 villages in Ntoroko, and destroyed property in several other districts including Kalungu, Kyotera, Butambala, and Mbarara.

Dr. Rebecca Kiconco, the board chairperson for the Climate Hub –International says the mandate to enforce environment protection laws lies in the hands of the government.

Dr. Kiconco made the remarks while signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Rotarians to plant trees and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Meanwhile yesterday, the World Meteorological Organization warned that the development of an El Niño climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean this year is more likely, with dangerously high temperatures and extreme weather events expected.

WMO Secretary-General, Professor Petteri Taalas, says the world “should prepare” for El Niño, which can trigger more extreme weather and climate events, including severe rainfall and drought, depending on the region.

Written by Moses Ndhaye