Senior Reporter
The villages of Kanyamateke, Rushaga, Rugandu, and Birara in Rubuguri Town Council, Kisoro District, have joined forces to preserve the banks of the Ruhezamyenda-Mulindi River by committing to keep a minimum of 10 meters of land along the river uncultivated. This collaborative effort aims to restore the wetland, a crucial natural resource in the region.
During the launch of the conservation initiative yesterday, community members actively engaged in planting papyrus trees along the riverbanks, symbolizing their dedication to protecting the natural water source. The Ruhezamyenda River, originating from Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale and flowing into Lake Mutanda, has been facing challenges such as discoloration, affecting water quality for both human and animal consumption.
Judith Muja, Senior Environment Officer, stressed that the river is burdened with silt, necessitating comprehensive efforts to rehabilitate the riverbank and the surrounding catchment area. The restoration process involves awareness campaigns followed by enforcement measures when needed.
In response to a recent Presidential directive, certain activities along the Ruhezamyenda River, such as cultivating food crops, planting eucalyptus trees, and placer mining for gold, have been prohibited. Muja outlined immediate actions, including the removal of eucalyptus trees near the water source and setting a deadline until March 2024 for harvesting crops in wetlands. Open gold mines along the river will be promptly restored.
Hatega John, Kisoro District Senior Agricultural Engineer overseeing the Micro Scale Irrigation project, explained that encroachment on wetlands during dry seasons often occurs due to water scarcity. Through a co-funding program, the government is providing 20 million shillings through the Micro Scale Irrigation project, with individuals or groups contributing 5 million shillings to access modern irrigation systems.
Deputy RDC Robert Tukamuhebwa assured that communities have been adequately informed and prepared for the changes in wetland use, emphasizing the readiness of security forces to enforce compliance.
