By Alfred Opio
A high-level delegation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commended leaders in Pallisa District for the successful implementation of the “Building Resilient Communities and Wetland Ecosystems” project.
The delegation conducted a field visit to the district on March 11, 2026, where they assessed the restoration progress of the Limoto Wetland. The exercise was guided by the district environmental officer, who serves as the project focal person, alongside officials from the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Water and Environment Uganda, and international development partners.
During the visit, the team toured Limoto fish pond projects located in six villages within Limoto Parish in Boliso I Sub-county. The initiative was introduced to restore degraded wetlands while providing sustainable livelihood options for communities that previously depended on rice farming within the wetland ecosystem.
Progress in Wetland Restoration
While addressing the delegation, Majid Dhikusooka, the Resident District Commissioner of Pallisa District, presented a progress report highlighting key achievements since the project began in 2019.
According to the report, about 135 hectares of the Limoto wetland had been heavily encroached upon by 2017, largely due to rice cultivation. Through government intervention and extensive community sensitization campaigns, 98 hectares were successfully restored by 2019.
To support farmers who previously depended on rice growing in the wetland, the project introduced alternative income-generating activities aimed at improving livelihoods while protecting the environment.
These initiatives included the distribution of 40 dairy heifers to former rice farmers, 600 turkeys to 60 households, and the construction of eight commercial fish ponds in 2019.
Fish Farming Boosts Household Incomes
Dhikusooka also highlighted the economic benefits of fish farming, noting that the initiative has significantly improved incomes among participating households.
Between May 2022 and February 2023, the ponds were stocked with 72,000 fingerlings, generating UGX 66.25 million in sales.
From April 2023 to January 2024, 35,000 fingerlings were stocked, generating UGX 37.4 million.
Between May 2024 and January 2025, 29,000 fingerlings generated UGX 52 million, while 15,000 fingerlings stocked in February 2025 yielded UGX 34 million in revenue.
The most recent stocking in January 2026, involving 15,000 fingerlings, generated UGX 24 million, further demonstrating the profitability of fish farming as a sustainable livelihood alternative.
Pallisa Model to Be Replicated
Impressed by the results, officials from the United Nations Development Programme and the Green Climate Fund praised district leaders for their strong community engagement and environmental awareness campaigns.
They noted that transitioning from rice cultivation in wetlands to sustainable fish farming has created a win-win solution that protects the environment while boosting local incomes.
As a result, the delegation encouraged leaders in Pallisa District to share their experience with neighboring districts such as Kibuku District and other areas within the Bukedi and Teso sub-regions, positioning the initiative as a regional model for wetland restoration.
Commitment to Climate Resilience
Speaking during the engagement, Majid Dhikusooka thanked development partners for their continued support in promoting environmental conservation and community development.
He emphasized that the district remains committed to demonstrating that wetland protection and economic development can coexist.
“Pallisa is proving that we can protect our God-given wetlands while at the same time create wealth for our people. We are ready to lead the region in climate resilience,” he said.
The restoration of Limoto Wetland is now being viewed as a regional blueprint for climate resilience, with stakeholders hopeful that the success achieved in Pallisa can be replicated across other vulnerable ecosystems in eastern Uganda.
