Today the Mukono District Environment and Natural Resources Committee convened at the District Headquarters to review a newly released report on the state of the environment. The findings, based on research conducted between 2014 and 2024, revealed an urgent need to educate the public about environmental conservation. Experts warned of growing threats as the district’s population continues to expand and encroach on fragile ecosystems such as wetlands and forests, including the deteriorating Mabira Forest.
The report was presented by Hersun Consults Limited, a firm specializing in engineering, environmental planning, and water and sanitation. The study was funded by the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP) under the Ministry of Kampala. It forms part of a broader national initiative to ensure that every district has a comprehensive assessment of its natural resources.
Caroline Kyakunzire a community development consultant who led the research team from Hersun Consultants, stated that the study uncovered troubling signs of environmental degradation.
She stressed the importance of preserving Mukono’s ecosystems and commended district leadership for having active environmental committees and making efforts to raise public awareness despite persistent threats such as illegal wetland encroachment and forest clearance.
However, His Worship Erisa Mukasa Nkoyoyo, the Mayor of Mukono Municipality, emphasized that environmental protection must align with infrastructure development. He advocated for improved road networks to reduce traffic congestion and called on leaders to remain united in service delivery instead of using environmental concerns to stall progress.
Representing the District Chairperson, Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera—Vice Chairperson and Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration, as well as Councilor for Nagojje Sub- County commended the research team for their thorough work. He expressed concern over individuals acquiring plots in forest reserves and destroying vital green spaces. He urged the researchers to work closely with local leaders in affected areas for more targeted and informed interventions.
Dr. William Mujjuni, the District Natural Resources Officer, explained that the environment committee meets every four months to assess the status of the district’s natural resources. He affirmed that the report’s findings will strengthen planning and response strategies within the department.
He called upon residents to take individual responsibility for protecting the environment, particularly given the changing climate and persistent challenges such as poor waste disposal.
Hon. Hanifah Nabukeera Luswata, Woman Member of Parliament for Mukono District raised concerns about the alarming rate at which forests are being cut down and wetlands filled in often without legal repercussions. She urged Hersun Consults to work with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to identify individuals who have illegally acquired land titles in protected areas and to hold them accountable.
The meeting brought together Members of Parliament, district leaders, technical staff, town clerks from various town councils, and representatives from departmental Heads. All participants agreed that without urgent and coordinated action, the environmental future of Mukono is at serious risk of irreversible damage.
