Conservation of wetlands crucial for hydropower generation, says Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has underscored the importance of conserving wetlands in the Kigezi region, emphasising their role as reservoirs of water that feed small rivers, which ultimately supply water to the River Nile. The River Nile is crucial for hydropower generation at the Jinja dam.

During his Kigezi regional tour, which kicked off on Wednesday in Kisoro and Rubanda districts, President Museveni stressed that wetlands are vital for the country's hydroelectric power generation.

"People must be reminded that while they celebrate the commissioning of this electricity, they have a role to play in conserving the wetlands... Draining wetlands threatens hydropower generation in Uganda," he warned.

The President also commissioned the USD 83.57 million Hamuko-electricity substation in Rubanda district, aimed at boosting industrialization and job creation in the area. He encouraged extensive agriculture for those with large pieces of land and intensive farming for those with smaller plots.

In addition to his conservation message, President Museveni donated a brand-new double cabin car and Shs12 million to a successful dairy and matooke farmer, MrAngello Nsekanabo, in Kisoro District. He also donated Shs23 million to a poultry farmer, Ms Evas Akampurira, in Rubanda District.

The Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Ms Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, expressed her gratitude for the support from local leaders and communities, highlighting the project's significance in enhancing power stability, rural electrification, and socio-economic development.

"The successful completion of this project is a testament to the strong partnership between the government, the Islamic Development Bank, and the local communities. This project will not only provide reliable electricity but also create opportunities for industrial growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the nation's overall economic development," she said.

The Hamuko, Kabale Substation, Rubanda District electricity project was financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) with a loan of USD 83.75 million. The project's successful completion was made possible through collaboration with various stakeholders, including the government, the Islamic Development Bank, and local communities.

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), Mr Joshua Karamagi, the project's completion is a significant milestone in ensuring energy security for the Kigezi region.

"The completion of this project is a result of the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the support of our partners. We are committed to continuing to work together to ensure that the people of Uganda have access to reliable and affordable electricity," he said.

The Rubanda district LCV chairman, Mr Stephen Kasyaba, thanked the government for establishing the electricity substation in his area and urged the community members to use it for the establishment of small and big industries to spur development in the region.

"We are grateful for the government's efforts to bring electricity to our district. We urge our people to take advantage of this opportunity to establish industries and create jobs. This will help to improve the livelihoods of our people and contribute to the overall development of our district," he said.

President Museveni's emphasis on wetland conservation is not new. In his 61st Independence Anniversary speech, he proposed assisting those involved in wetland rice-growing to transition to either rice cultivation through irrigation on non-wetland land or fish farming at the edges of the wetlands to allow wetland rejuvenation. He also announced his intention to issue an executive order to ban the destruction of wetlands.

Compiled by Robert Muhereza, Julius Hafasha and Obed Kankiriho