KAMWENGE LEADERS, JESE RENEW COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARD RIVER MPANGA

Kamwenge Leaders, JESE Renew Commitment to Safeguard River Mpanga

By Ivan Mugisha

Kamwenge District leaders, in partnership with the Joint Efforts to Save the Environment (JESE), have renewed their commitment to protecting River Mpanga, one of the region’s most vital water sources.

The renewed pledge was made during a recent joint monitoring exercise supported by JESE. Officials voiced concern that the river, which serves Kamwenge and neighboring districts, continues to face serious degradation from communities encroaching on its banks.

During the exercise, district officials led by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), together with JESE staff, inspected affected areas and reviewed ongoing restoration initiatives. They observed that interventions, particularly in Busiriba Sub-county, have begun to regenerate previously degraded sections of the river.

After the field visit, the team convened at Igogora Country Resort to discuss long-term strategies for River Mpanga’s full conservation.

Kamwenge CAO Harriet Katusiime reminded district leaders of their obligation to protect natural resources.

“We are duty-bound to conserve and protect the environment,” Katusiime said. “Each office must play its role to ensure that degraded sections of River Mpanga are fully restored.”

Busiriba Sub-county Chief Alfred Kalemera highlighted the need for greater community participation.

“We need to sensitize the public about sustaining this river with or without JESE’s direct involvement,” Kalemera said. “At the same time, we must promote viable alternative livelihoods for residents living near the river so that they willingly embrace restoration and conservation activities.”

JESE’s Communications and Advocacy Manager Caroline Athieno underscored the urgency of sustained public awareness.

“We must continue educating communities about the importance of protecting nature,” Athieno said. “Nature can live without people, but people cannot live without nature.”

Kamwenge District Speaker Gerald Twebaze pledged the district’s full support towards the cause.

“As a district, we are committed to continuous sensitization of the communities living near water resources about the need to protect them,” Twebaze said. “We shall remain cooperative and supportive for the common good of conserving River Mpanga.”

At the close of the meeting, the leaders agreed to intensify sensitization efforts, enforce environmental regulations, and promote alternative income-generating activities to ease pressure on the river ecosystem.