Minister stops tea growing in wetlands
Farmers in Kayonza Growers Tea Estate in Kanungu District recently. State minister for Environment Flavia Munaba has warned against tea growing in wetlands in Kigezi. Photo by Alfred Tumushabe
RUKUNGIRI. State minister for Environment Flavia Nabugere Munaba has banned tea growing in wetlands in Kigezi sub-region, saying the practice is against environment conservation policies and could affect stability of the eco-system.
The minister’s directive comes hot on the heels of a conflict between Nyarushanje Catholic Parish leaders in Rukungiri and residents of Nyarushanje and Nyakishenyi sub-counties over use of Rurindo wetland for tea growing.
The church had planned to start tea growing in the wetland but the residents opposed the project. They attacked the parish last Wednesday and burnt down tea nursery beds.
Speaking to residents at Rurindo Bridge at the weekend, Ms Munaba said tea growing cannot be allowed in wetlands since it is a foreign crop that can easily lead to wetland destruction and cause environmental degradation.
“Whether you own the land or you have a land title, the National Environment Management Authority and ministry of Environment cannot allow tea growing to take place in swamps. There are clear policies governing the swamps,” Ms Munaba said.
The appeal
She said Nyarushanje Parish officials who had planned to start tea growing in the swamp must stop immediately.
“We cannot allow the natural environment to deteriorate because we want tea. I will put it in writing when I reach Kampala,” she added.
When contacted, the Nyarushanje assistant parish priest, the Rev Fr George Kigambiroha, said Kabale Diocesan Council recently decided to use all available land in the parishes for tea growing because of its good economic benefits.
