Senior Reporter
Ms. Sarah Aijuka, the South West Regional Manager of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), expressed gratitude towards Nile Breweries Limited Uganda, the World Wide Fund for Nature, and other development partners for their support in restoring River Rwizi through bamboo tree planting along its banks.
In particular, she commended the World Wide Fund for Nature for their partnership in the effort to save River Rwizi from serious challenges such as silting and drying up during the dry season, as well as flooding during the wet season.
Ms. Aijuka made these remarks following a two-day monitoring and replanting session of bamboo trees along River Rwizi’s banks, with participation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
She explained that the degradation of the river’s catchment area has led to the conversion of wetlands into farmlands, sand mining, brick making, and construction activities. Consequently, water rushes into the river, carrying sediment and debris.
Ms. Aijuka emphasized that the lack of sufficient vegetation cover exacerbates flooding and siltation, processes essential for filtering water before it reaches water bodies.
She urged all institutions and individuals benefiting from River Rwizi’s water to recognize that the success of any activity depends on the availability of water, emphasizing the critical importance of preserving the river.
