Kampala Capital City Authority has said it has relocated over 50 birds after receiving a backlash from members for the public.
KCCA received a beating over the weekend over its action to cut down several trees in the city, leaving hundreds of birds, including egrets, homeless.
However, in a statement on Monday, KCCA said it had in collaboration with Uganda Wildlife Authority helped relocated over 50 birds, especially from a site near Victoria University junction at Esso Corner along Jinja Road.
“We have moved to relocate over 50 birds and their habitats in collaboration with Uganda Wildlife Authority to pave way for site clearing to signalize the junction near Victoria University,” KCCA said in a statement.
They said at least 27 junctions and five roundabouts are receiving major upgrades to address traffic congestion and mobility challenges and as such, several trees within these locations will be affected.
“KCCA is committed to fast-tracking infrastructure developments while having due consideration of the environment.”
Public reacts
However, despite pledging to continue relocation of birds, members of the public have not spared KCCA , accusing the authority of doing things haphazardly.
“Next time relocate them before you demolish their home,” one Sylas Atwooki said on X.
Jimmy Kiberu said, “ Must you always cut down the trees? Cities modernize and plan around the existing flora and fauna. The trees on that stretch are few and can co-exist with KCCA plans. See how countries like Singapore, Japan and Kenya have planned public works around existing trees.”
Gad Kasasira said despite cutting down the trees, no initiative has been put in place to plan new ones.
