By KT Reporter
Environmental conservationists in Masaka district have appealed to the Electoral Commission to rein in the destruction of vegetation by candidates and their supporters along campaign trails. Peter Kimera, the Kimanya-Kabonera Division Youth Council Chairperson in Masaka City, says they have petitioned the Commission to issue restrictive guidelines against environmentally destructive conduct by political actors ahead of next year’s general elections.
He decried that the ongoing political campaigns are frustrating the environmental protection efforts rolled out in both the Masaka district and Masaka City. Kimera noted that in 2022, their councils, through the Masaka Youth Action Climate Project, undertook a drive to plant indigenous tree species along major roads, towns, and public open spaces as part of efforts to restore the environment.
However, he says many of the planted trees, including coffee trees, are now being destroyed by enthusiastic supporters who break them while cheering for candidates during campaigns. Kimera explained that they have decided to seek an audience with the Electoral Commission to formally express their grievances and ask that political actors be instructed to stop destroying the environment. He notes that their efforts to engage individual candidates have been futile, with some supporters blackmailing them as political saboteurs, forcing them to escalate the matter to the Commission, which is mandated to oversee the electoral process.
Kimera revealed that over the past three years, they have planted at least 70,000 tree species across Masaka district and Masaka City, but fears that the majority are at risk if no intervention is made. Moses Ssekungu, the Secretary for the Masaka Youth Action Climate Project, says the Electoral Commission should issue guidelines instructing candidates to be cautious with the environment.
He noted that many of the trees planted are indigenous species that are difficult to replace, adding that a culture of responsibility should be cultivated so that nature is protected regardless of political activities. Denis Paul Kabugo, the Masaka District Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, prefers that the burden of replacing destroyed trees fall on individual candidates whose supporters vandalize them. He argued that campaigns must go beyond political rhetoric to address issues such as environmental conservation and human rights, which are equally important.
Hydary Joloba, the Masaka City Electoral Commission Assistant Returning Officer, said they have not yet formally received the complaints. However, he challenged candidates to behave responsibly while conducting their campaigns. Joloba added that local governments, venue owners, and security agencies should collaborate to ensure the campaigns do not cause havoc in the community.
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