Elderly wetland-dependent communities are happy with government support.

Published By MWE |  June 17, 2025

At 80 years old, Celetecia Achom, a resident of Komuge sub-county, Bukedea district, is happy
to be alive. She is hopeful that her life span will extend even more than anticipated. Her hope is
based on the recent livelihood options she received from the government of Uganda, through a
presidential initiative to save wetlands.
The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture
Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), is
implementing the Building Resilient Communities, Wetlands and Associated Catchments project
in Uganda with funding from the Government of Uganda, the Green Climate Fund and the
United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The project seeks to build the resilience of
communities and wetlands against climate change impacts.
Ms Achom is one of the several community members from Komuge sub-county, who voluntarily
vacated wetlands in return for alternative livelihoods. “I used to cultivate rice in the wetland, but I
left when the government asked us to. I received a goat in return,” she said.
“There was a lot of work in the wetland, so I cannot return to that tedious work. At my age,
returning to the wetland is not possible. Even if it were not for my age, I would not still return. I

am happy with the livelihood I received. At least I am sure it will push my life to more years on
earth,” Ms Achom speaks of the goats she received.
The goats have since multiplied. Whenever she needs financial support, Achom sells one goat
to meet her basic needs. Achom shares the roof with her current three goats to demonstrate her
attachment to the goats. She hopes to take care of the goats till she exchanges them for a cow.