KIU Main Campus - On Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, the School of Natural and Applied Sciences (SONAS), in collaboration with the Directorate of Research, Innovations, Consultancy, and Extension (DRICE), organized an impactful public lecture on wetland conservation and sustainable farming practices, featuring guest speaker Mr. David Okurut, the Commissioner of the Wetlands Management Department at Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment.

In his compelling address, Mr. Okurut emphasized the vital importance of wetlands within Uganda’s ecosystem, describing them as "lifelines" that support biodiversity, regulate water flow, and mitigate the effects of climate change. He noted that wetland preservation is a shared responsibility, urging both students and staff members to actively participate in conserving these ecosystems.

“Preserving our wetlands is a shared responsibility, and research and innovation are key,” he remarked, adding that academic institutions like KIU play an essential role in advancing sustainable environmental practices.

Mr. Okurut highlighted the government’s ongoing conservation efforts, detailing the steps being taken to restore degraded wetlands and protect them from unsustainable activities. He encouraged students and staff engaged in farming to adopt wetland-friendly practices, such as fish farming, which aligns with Uganda’s environmental conservation goals.

To further support students in their research, Mr. Okurut invited them to visit the Ministry of Water and Environment offices, where they can access guidance and resources on wetland conservation initiatives. “I encourage students to conduct research on the carbon emission reduction potential of wetlands,” he added, commending KIU's management for fostering such discussions.

The Dean of SONAS, Prof. Assoc. Prof. Hannington Twinomuhwezi, expressed his appreciation to the commissioner for delivering an educative, informative, and revealing lecture. He promised to set up a team of staff members to explore opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and research initiatives.

Musiimenta Daphine, a Diploma student in Environmental Management and an environmental activist, expressed her enthusiasm for the lecture, noting that she had gained valuable insights and had also received contacts from relevant authorities.

“The public lecture on wetland conservation has been amazing. My colleagues and I gained a deeper understanding of the significance of wetlands and the various roles they play,” Musiimenta shared. She added that best practices for wetland restoration were also discussed, with a strong emphasis on community involvement.

“This lecture has opened up new opportunities for students to explore specialized studies and research areas related to peat wetlands and environmental conservation,” she concluded.

The lecture, attended by students, lecturers, and members of the KIU community, served as an educational platform encouraging proactive steps in wetland preservation and a call to action for future research projects that can influence national conservation efforts.