Kwania Security Faces Allegations of Ignoring Wetland Degradation
In Kwania District, authorities are under scrutiny for purportedly overlooking the destruction of Arocha Swamp, raising serious concerns about environmental degradation. Allegations have surfaced accusing the office of the Kwania District Resident Commissioner (RDC) and the Kwania Central Police Station (CPS) of failing to address the issue effectively.
On January 28, 2024, in a rare night operation, officials from the RDC’s office and Kwania CPS apprehended a tractor, bearing the registration UBD 090E, in the act of cultivating land within the wetland. The tractor was subsequently detained at Kwania CPS, pending further investigation.
Intelligence reports from an anonymous source within the Kwania district claim that subsequent inspections by representatives from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kwania district environmental officer uncovered approximately 10 hectares of the wetland had been tampered with.
Jimmy Okweny, the Senior Environment Officer of Kwania, disclosed that NEMA officials had specifically requested that the police retain the tractor as critical evidence for forthcoming legal proceedings.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals, with Fred Otim, a resident of Abongomola Sub County, openly accusing the RDC’s office and the police of corruption. Otim alleges that their actions—or lack thereof—favor affluent individuals who contribute to the wetland’s degradation. He has voiced intentions to organize community protests against the RDC, demanding accountability and better oversight of environmental conservation efforts.
Attempts to reach Kwania RDC, Richard Arikwanga Noon, for comments were unsuccessful. However, Kwania District Internal Security Officer and acting deputy RDC, Emmanuel Ameto, provided some insight into the matter. According to Ameto, they received pleas from Moses Lutalo, the owner of the impounded tractor, who argued that he had acquired the tractor through a loan. Lutalo suggested that photographs of the tractor could serve as evidence instead of physically retaining it.
Following advice from the Resident State Attorney of Apac, the authorities decided to release the tractor after documenting it photographically. This decision has further fueled the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of the current measures in place to protect Kwania’s natural resources and the integrity of those tasked with its safeguarding.
