Authorities in Kitagwenda District, led by the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and environmental group Joint Efforts to Save the Environment (Jese), have conducted a monitoring exercise along River Mpanga in a renewed campaign to protect the vital water body from encroachment and degradation.
The inspection, carried out on Wednesday with support from Jese, focused on the riverbanks in Kanara Sub-county, where cultivation and human activity continue to pose serious threats.
Speaking during the visit, Assistant RDC Philip Nabaasa expressed concern over the increasing encroachment by farmers, warning that such practices are undermining ongoing restoration efforts and violate national environmental policies.
"We have observed serious encroachment by some community members, especially in Kanara Sub-county," Nabaasa said.
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"This goes against the presidential directive on wetland protection. People must stop cultivating near the riverbanks and respect the law."
Nabaasa warned that defiant individuals would face enforcement action, stressing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
"River Mpanga is not just a local resource; it is a national treasure. If we destroy it, we're endangering livelihoods and biodiversity," he added.
Doreen Nankunda Kaita, the District Secretary for Production, Natural Resources, and Commercial Services, also condemned the continued indiscipline of individuals who cultivate illegally along the river.
"It is disheartening to see that some people are still cultivating near the river, yet we have educated them about the dangers," she said. "Protecting the river is not only for us today, but for future generations as well."
She cited Kiburara as a success story, noting that community compliance there has led to visible regeneration of riverbanks and improved water flow.
"In Kiburara, we've seen real progress because the community took the guidelines seriously. That's the model we want to see replicated across the district," she said.
Jese, a long-term partner in the conservation of River Mpanga, has been instrumental in supporting environmental protection in the district.
The organisation has worked closely with local governments through training and community engagement to promote sustainable practices.
Originating from the Rwenzori Mountains and flowing into Lake George, River Mpanga is a lifeline for communities across western Uganda.
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However, it faces increasing pressure from cultivation, settlement, and reduced water levels due to human activities.
District authorities and Jese have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing regulations, raising awareness, and involving communities in conservation efforts to ensure River Mpanga is preserved for future generations.
