BY MATHIUS KAHUNGU
Kasese Municipal Council is on the spot over delayed action on the perpetrators behind the destruction of green belt adjacent to Kasese Hospital along Kyebambe Road.
In a letter dated July 20th, 2026 addressed to the Town Clerk, Kasese Municipal council, signed by Mr. John Henry Baguma, the director Kasese Hospital Ltd and Kasese tourism investors Forum (KTIF) Green belt initiative, Kasese Municipal Council is tasked to explain why trees are being cut down along that stretch especially at a time when there are efforts to green Kasese.
According to the additional contents of the letter, Mr. Baguma says he was referring to their earlier letter that was submitted to the same office dated March 26th this year regarding the protection of the same green belt that was established by citizens in 1999.
He adds that to his dismay, despite receipt of their concerns, no official response or protective action was taken, alleging that instead they witnessed the destruction of a significant portion of the green belt by some individuals associated with Kasese District Local Government.
The letter further explains that the green belt was created through voluntary community efforts to among others control runoff from Rwenzori hills, reduce flooding and soil erosion, improve air quality, moderate urban temperatures, support climate resilience, beautify Kasese Municipality and contribute to the protection of the Rwenzori ecosystem.
Basing on the above background, the KTIF and Kasese Hospital are threatening to take legal action within five days should this matter not be given the attention it deserves.
Mr Baguma has among other things demanded a written explanation regarding the destruction of the green belt, identification of every person who authorized or participated in the cutting of the trees and the immediate cessation of any further destruction, a joint inspection involving Kasese Tourism investors forum (KTIF), Kasese Hospital, Municipal Council, NEMA and community representatives together with a written restoration plan.
However, Authorities of Kasese Municipal council have not yet issued a statement. Speaking to messiah radio on phone, Mr. Kambasu Zedekia Kayiri the Kasese Municipality deputy town clerk said he was yet to see a copy of the letter. ENDS.