Climate change, cattle keepers frustrating River Rwizi restoration efforts

Environmentalists have pointed out that the effects of climate change, along with activities by cattle keepers, are key factors hindering efforts to restore River Rwizi in southwestern Uganda.

The river, which provides water for both humans and animals in the districts of Kiruhura, Mbarara, Bushenyi, Buhweju, Rwampara, Kyotera, Isingiro, Sheema, Ntungamo, Rakai, Lyantonde, and Lwengo, is on the brink of extinction due to human activities.

Environmentalists, who recently gathered to plant bamboo trees along the banks of River Rwizi in Ruti, Mbarara City North Division, said that much of the plant cover they have put in place to recharge the river is being destroyed due to prolonged dry seasons and cattle grazing.

“We have been planting trees along the riverbanks for many years to help recharge the river and increase water volumes, but this has not been sustainable due to prolonged dry seasons,” said Ms. Immaculate Kobugabo, the Water Programme Officer at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

She emphasized that restoring the river requires multiple interventions, as tree planting alone is not yielding quick results. She also stressed the importance of shifting mindsets to help people better appreciate the value of nature.

Mbarara City’s Natural Resources Officer, Mr David Nuwagaba, added that, in addition to climate change, cattle keepers are also undermining efforts to conserve the river through tree planting. He explained that cattle graze in areas where trees are planted, often destroying them.

“Most of the trees we plant are destroyed by cows grazing in these areas. If it weren’t for this, we would have many fully grown trees along the river buffer zone. We are sensitizing farmers to stop this behavior, and if they don’t comply, we will use the law to arrest and prosecute them,” he said.

When Mr Nuwagaba was asked why, despite numerous campaigns to save the river, progress has been slow, he explained that significant work had been done. He mentioned that there have been promising results from restoration efforts, particularly after significant community sensitization. “The problem is that the community has not fully appreciated the value of this river.

However, through ongoing sensitization, they are now becoming more cooperative. For example, the area where we are planting bamboo trees was previously occupied by eucalyptus trees, which the community accepted to remove,” he said.

Mr Nuwagaba also mentioned that after extensive sensitization, they are now beginning to enforce laws more strictly, using the National Environment Authority (NEMA) regulations to arrest and prosecute violators.

Ms Claire Asiimwe, the Corporate Affairs Manager at Nile Breweries, which has been involved in the restoration project, highlighted the company's commitment to saving the river. She noted that if River Rwizi is not restored, it could severely impact their business.

“We have decided to campaign for the restoration of this river because without it, we would be out of business,” she said. “We have chosen to plant trees on 270 hectares along the river, and we’ve covered 25 hectares so far.

We are worried that without restoration, the river’s water volumes and quality will decrease, which would affect our operations.” The Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Mbarara City North Division, Mr Samuel Muganda, stated that his office will work with local and city authorities, as well as security forces, to ensure that NEMA laws are enforced to protect the river.