Sarah Akello, an environmental defender from Tapac Sub County, noted that their advocacy against destructive mining activities, particularly by Tororo Cement Factory Limited, has exposed them to threats.
Environmental defenders in the
Karamoja sub-region have petitioned Moroto district local government, urging
action against rampant environmental degradation. Backed by the Advocates for
Natural Resources and Development (ANARDE) Organization, a group of 30
petitioners led by their chairperson, Charles Topoth, on Friday presented their
demands to district officials in a bid to find solutions to the ongoing environmental
challenges.
The petition outlines several
key interventions to mitigate environmental damage, including the adoption of
energy-saving technologies to reduce firewood and charcoal consumption for
cooking, sustainable land management practices, community awareness initiatives
on environmental conservation, reforestation efforts to replace destroyed
forestry cover, and the formulation of protective ordinances.
Topoth emphasized that the
deterioration of the environment has escalated significantly, causing tangible
impacts. He called for more stringent regulations to curb activities
detrimental to the environment, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to address
this issue. He also highlighted the adverse effects of prolonged drought
resulting from environmental degradation, which has led to significant crop
losses in the region.
Sarah Akello, an environmental
defender from Tapac Sub County, noted that their advocacy against destructive
mining activities, particularly by Tororo Cement Factory Limited, has exposed
them to threats. She underlined the environmental and livelihood threats posed
by mining operations, including open pits that pose danger to both lives and
property.
The petitioners called for
district authorities to intervene in cases where mining companies have dug
large, hazardous pits without proper safeguards, causing harm to animals and
posing risks to the local community. John Lotyang, Moroto District Natural
Resource Officer, affirmed the district's commitment to environmental
conservation.
He revealed that a district natural resource committee has been
reactivated to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in addressing environmental
destruction. He also called for mass awareness campaigns to educate locals
about preservation measures.
David Koryang, the LC5
chairperson for Moroto district, urged the petitioners to lead by example in
tree planting efforts around their homes. He emphasized the need for
stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to conservation through practical
actions, including planting trees in their own compounds.
"We are too much into talking than action, we need to plant
trees in our homes so that the villagers are able to learn from us, it is not a
matter of running around with the petition when you have done no contribution
at all in preserving the environment,’’ Koryang lamented.
He highlighted the role of
stronger environmental laws, suggesting that the government should consider
passing robust ordinances to safeguard the environment. He revealed that the
district leadership aims to formulate bylaws to support the presidential
directive order 03, which restricts tree cutting for commercial charcoal
production.
