By Alex Gahima
The four villages of Kanyamateke, Rushaga, Rugandu and Birara in Rubuguri Town Council, Kisoro District have agreed to leave at least 10 meters of land from the banks of River Ruhezamyenda- Mulindi uncultivated as one of the ways of restoring the wetland.
The residents, who participated in planting of papyrus trees during the launch of the conservation drive yesterday said the papyrus trees will serve as a reminder of their commitment to protecting the natural water source.
River Ruhezamyenda that gets its source of water from Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale and pours it in Lake Mutanda turned brown resulting in negative water quality for both human and animal use.
Senior Environment Officer Judith Muja says the river is filled with silt and all efforts to restore the riverbank and the catchment area are being effected through sensitization first and then enforcement was deemed necessary.
Under the Green Climate Fund project, Rushaga Village was identified as a site for wetland restoration as a way of encouraging communities to embrace conservation by adopting mindset change and forming groups to benefit from other alternative forms of livelihood, fully supported by Government.
Muja says, a recent Presidential directive demands that some human activities along River Ruhezamyenda be stopped permanently.
These include growing of food crops, planting of eucalyptus trees as well as placer mining for Gold along River Ruhezamyenda which is not permitted in Rubuguri.
“As Government, we intend to start by cutting down all eucalyptus trees near the water source because they have the ability to drain all the water. Communities that have food crops in the wetlands have been given up to March 2024 to have harvested all their food and all open gold mines along the river will be restored immediately, Muja said.
The decision to conserve the wetlands comes following a Presidential Directive to gazette all wetlands in the country as a way of preventing negative effects of climate change.
According to Muja, Government is aware that people have been depending on the wetlands for food and that is why the President is prepared to release funds to people and groups who voluntarily leave the wetland and form groups to benefit from activities like fish farming, apiary as well as goat and sheep rearing.
Kisoro District Senior Agricultural Engineer and implementer of the Micro scale Irrigation project Hatega John explained that many households to encroach on wetlands during the dry season because they lack water to use.
Under a co-funding program, Government is prepared to provide 20 Million shillings under the Micro Scale Irrigation project while an individual or group can raise 5 Million shillings to get access to a modern irrigation system to help them practice agriculture throughout the year.
Hatega says three demonstration farms in Kisoro with a three in one system including drip irrigation, sprinkler and dug hose have already benefitted from the project.
The Kisoro Deputy RDC Robert Tukamuhebwa, who was the guest of honor said communities have been sensitized and prepared for the changes in wetland use therefore security is prepared to enforce where people become stubborn.
Several community members said they are willing to comply with the Government directive however Government must remember that the wetlands were a lifeline for their families.
A grievance committee was formed to ensure people who are not satisfied with the process can report.
These include Byaruhanga Edward (chairperson), Richard Mucunguzi (Vice chairperson), Turyakira Dezi (Secretary), Vanisi Bazogoza (Treasurer) and Jonathan Rwigema (Defense)
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