For the last 10 years the border town  with a population of over 14,000 has been operating without a landfill and proper garbage management system.

This has since forced the residents in  the area to indiscriminately dump waste in the wetlands, bushes, corridors and along the road side exposing the community to deadly diseases like dysentery and cholera among others

Kule Kasim, the Local Council One chairperson Lorikwo West Cell, has blamed Amuru District Local government for failing  to set up a proper solid waste management system, something he says is exposing them to deadly diseases.

According to Kule, the hygiene situation is worrying and no leader is bothered about the plight of the community saying  with the return of rains  the area is most likely to be struck by malaria and cholera.

Micheal Lakony, the Amuru District LCV chairperson, has admitted the problem blaming it on the inadequate funds, environmental degradation and poor waste disposal culture among the community.

He however, said his office has raised concern with the Ministry of Local government and finance for support to help address the issues of poor garbage management.

Patrick Lamot, a Public Health Expert working for the Ministry of Health and Attached to Elegu Border Post, said the lack of proper waste management system has exposed the communities to diseases like typhoid and dysentery.

According to Lamot, their health facility is currently overwhelmed with cases of typhoid and dysentery coming as results of hygiene.

He said they have now embarked on community sensitization to improve waste management as they await a long term waste management project from the government to address the problem.

Poor waste management, ranging from non-existing collection systems to ineffective disposal, causes air pollution, water contamination, and soil contamination. Open and unsanitary landfills contribute to the contamination of drinking water and can cause infection and transmit diseases.

A World Bank Poor Sanitation Programme report released in 2012 indicates that poor sanitation costs Uganda at least Shs389 billion annually.

The money lost in three years can meet the cost of improving hygiene facilities in the country, which stands at UGX 1.3 trillion.

Caption: Piles of plastic waste in Elegu Town Council.

According to Moses Byaruhanga, District Natural Resource Officer (DNRO) Kitagwenda, Nyakabale wetland is about six kilometers long with a number of tributaries connecting to Kikweyo wetland which forms the Rwambu wetland system.

It also serves as a water catchment area for five water sources which serves about 7 villages.

Byaruhanga said that the way Nyakabale wetland is being rapidly encroached poses a risk of having no more water in the area in future if it is not protected.

He noted that the National Environment Act 2019 gives local governments a mandate to manage and protect wetlands in their jurisdiction.

“The national environment Act 2019 gives local governments including districts a mandate to manage the wetlands within their jurisdiction,” Byaruhanga said

He added that the exercise started with a community engagement to sensitize the people about the need to restore wetlands.

“Our campaign started by creating awareness and showing the people especially those neighboring the wetlands the boundaries where the demarcations will pass and also showing them why we need to restore the wetland,” Byaruhanga explained

Byaruhanga further said that they will record coordinates to fast track the people who will vandalize the concrete pillars for easy monitoring and management of wetlands.

“Wherever we plant a pillar, we are having coordinates on record, later we shall generate a map whether you remove a pillar we can still relocate that point,” He said

The District Natural Resource Officer warned the public that whoever is caught removing the demarcation pillars, he or she will be dealt with according to the law saying that wetlands are now gazetted areas in Uganda.

Initially, wetlands were not in the gazette but in 2023, all wetlands in Uganda were gazetted and now we have a legal instrument (notice number 14 of 2023) that guarantees us a legal process. Now if you commit an environmental offence, we can now prosecute you because wetlands are now protected areas where you should not encroach.” Byaruhanga emphasised

Anthony Kalyegira, Senior Environment Officer Kitagwenda said that the district still lacks about1000 concrete pillars to demarcate all the wetlands in the district.

He therefore appealed to the central government and people in the private sector foundation to join the campaign of demarcating wetlands in the area.

“As Kitagwenda district we are trying to lobby 1000 pillars from the government and private sector to ensure that all the 46 wetlands in Kitagwenda district are fully protected. And we hope with the demarcation of concrete pillars we shall recover and restore the degrade wetlands” Kalyegira explained

Currently, the degradation rate in Kitagwenda stands at 21.56 percent with a total of over 2000 hectares of wetlands encroached in the district.

“As Kitagwenda we are experiencing degradation rate of 21.56% whereby we are losing close to 2658 hectares of wetlands.” Kalyegira said

He said that Kitagwenda district has a total of about 46 wetlands that include Nyakabale, Kanunka, Ruhagura, and Kyarutanga among others.

The Kitagwenda Vice Chairman, Peter Ashaba rallied the political leaders and stakeholders to sensitise the masses about the benefits and protection of ecosystems in the district.

“On the campaign of protecting wetlands and the environment we must come out and sensitise the public about the importance of wetlands and protecting them and as leaders let us always be the leading examples in protecting our environment such that other people can learn from us,” Ashaba said

In 2022, Kitagwenda district in partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment, demarcated about 34 kilometres of Kyarutanga, Kanunka, Ruhagura wetlands which form Rwambu and Mpanga rivers as part of the ecosystems in the district that were affected by human activities such as cultivation, brick making and planting of eucalyptus trees among others.

Empowering Women in Conservation

This year’s marathon carries a powerful theme: “Women are Stewards in Sustainable Utilization of Water and Environmental Resources Empowering the Girl Child in Conservation.” Seith Murari, Chairman of Abahumuza Development Group, emphasized the critical role women and girls play in environmental stewardship. “We challenge women and girls to come in large numbers and join the marathon, reinforcing their vital role in conservation efforts,” Murari stated.

Community Engagement and Achievements

Since the first marathon, community perception and behavior towards environmental conservation have significantly improved. Abahumuza Development Group has undertaken several initiatives, including planting trees in areas like Rwanyampazi, Kihumuro, and Bishop Stuart University, and restoring swamps such as Rwemigina wetland. These efforts have led to an increase in River Rwizi’s water levels during the dry season, a positive indicator of the project’s impact.

“Our observation is that in 2023, River Rwizi’s water level increased to 2.742 cubic meters during the dry season, something that never happened before,” Murari noted. “If we continue our efforts, we can fully restore the river.”

Addressing Wetland Encroachment

However, River Rwizi faces significant threats from illegal activities such as uncontrolled sand mining, brick laying, and waste disposal. Murari appealed to the public and various stakeholders to join the campaign, emphasizing that protecting River Rwizi is a collective responsibility. “We need affirmative action from individuals, corporate companies, organizations, and local leaders,” he said.

Mirro Suleiman, Project Manager at Abahumuza Development Group, highlighted the marathon’s goal to mobilize funds for conservation activities, including tree planting and reducing plastic waste disposal. “We run to show the region’s people the importance of River Rwizi and to fund activities that enhance its protection,” Suleiman explained.

Challenges in Enforcement and Government Response

Despite the group’s efforts, enforcement remains a challenge. Fred Bagonza, regional National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) officer for the southwestern region, cited staffing shortages as a significant hurdle. “We are few compared to the workload, managing an area that spans 30 districts,” Bagonza said. He urged the government to increase staffing to effectively combat environmental violations.

SP Thomas Kamusiime, Rwizi Regional Community Liaison Officer, called for sustainable solutions for communities relying on River Rwizi. “We need permanent, friendly solutions for those dependent on the river,” Kamusiime emphasized, urging the Ministry of Water to extend conservation campaigns to all districts in the river’s catchment area.

Restoration Efforts in Rucece Wetland

In a related initiative, Mbarara City has launched a campaign to restore over 4,000 hectares of the degraded Rucece wetland. David Sancho, the City Natural Resource Officer, reported that nearly half of the 9,000-hectare wetland has been lost to encroachment. “We are working to recover 4,000 hectares that locals have backfilled with soil, planted with eucalyptus trees, and used for construction,” Sancho said. This restoration aligns with a Presidential directive to evict wetland encroachers across Uganda.

Sancho highlighted the need for adequate funding to implement restoration and provide alternative livelihoods for encroachers. “Restoring wetlands requires significant financial resources,” he said, urging the central government to support these efforts.
Edgar Nabaasa, Mbarara City South Division Environment Officer, added that early sensitization and eviction notices were issued to encroachers. “We engaged the community and gave ample notice to remove illegal crops and structures,” Nabaasa explained.

Looking Forward

Robert Kanusu, Deputy Resident City Commissioner of Mbarara City North Division, reiterated the government’s commitment to evict encroachers and educate the public on wetland conservation. “We will continue to guide people on the importance of protecting our wetlands,” he said.

The launch coincided with the seating of the Loss and Damage board committee meeting in Dubai to discuss ways forward on following up on financial commitments made during the Conference of parties in Dubai last year.

In December last year during the COP 28 event in Dubai, Uganda sent a delegation of over 600 officials to negotiate and follow proceedings .H.E Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the representative of the UAE government, in his address highlighted support for responsible trade and technology transfer as integral components of Uganda’s fight against climate change.

Mr. Xavier Ejoyi -the Country Director for Action aid International Uganda says what is going unnoticed is industrial agriculture, which relies on the large-scale destruction of biomass and the ecosystem. It is the second biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. He added that Over 460 billion dollars from banks and other financiers goes to funding fossil fuel-related investments which are the leading contributors to greenhouse gases.

According to  Ms. Sheily Apiny the northern regional coordinator at Action aid International, climate crisis poses an existential threat to our planet, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities, including children, young people, and women. She called for countries that emit the highest percentages of carbon emissions to pay their fair share to support combating the climate crisis.

She stated that Last year, ActionAid launched the Fund Our Future campaign, a global campaign calling for financiers to shift funding from climate destructive activities and false climate solutions and redirect them towards investments in renewable energy and agroecological solutions.

COP28 facilitated a historic agreement to operationalize and capitalize funding for Loss and Damage, committing $726 million to support those most affected by the climate crisis, and Uganda .Experts say that if shared ,Uganda could get up 51 million Dollars ,to support those most affected by impact of climate change.

Other commitments include;
Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund Replenishments
$3.5 billion pledged to replenish the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
$133.6 million pledged towards the Adaptation Fund.
$129.3 million pledged towards the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDC).
$31 million pledged to the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF).

ALTÉRRA Catalytic Fund Launch
The UAE launched ALTÉRRA, a $30 billion catalytic fund to drive positive climate action, with a global mobilization target of $250 billion.

World Bank Commitment
The World Bank committed to an annual increase of $9 billion for 2024 and 2025 to finance climate-related projects.

Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) Commitment:
MDBs collectively pledged a cumulative increase of over $22.6 billion towards climate action.

Pledges and Declarations
The COP28 has witnessed the endorsement of 11 pledges and declarations, garnering historic support from countries and organizations worldwide. Notable endorsements include:
Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge endorsed by 124 countries.
COP28 UAE Declaration on Agriculture, Food, & Climate endorsed by 142 countries.
COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health endorsed by 133 countries.
COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate Relief, Recovery & Peace endorsed by 75 countries and 40 organizations.
COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate Finance endorsed by 13 countries.
COP28 UAE Declaration on Hydrogen and Derivates endorsed by 37 countries.
COP28 UAE Declaration on Gender-Responsive Just Transitions endorsed by 74 countries.
Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) Pledge endorsed by 65 countries.
Global Cooling Pledge endorsed by 64 countries.
Oil and Gas Decarburization Charter endorsed by 52 companies, representing 40 percent of global oil production.
Industrial Transition Accelerator endorsed by 35 companies and six industry associations.

During the inspection, it was evident that the water system, overseen by Kotido DLG, aimed to provide safe water to an estimated 12,000 Households spread across five villages. This initiative marked a significant milestone in ensuring access to clean and safe water for communities in the area.

Relatedly; to enhance sanitation and hygiene practices, the District initiated five villages that previously lacked adequate latrine or handwashing facilities. Following an intensive four-month campaign, remarkable progress was observed, with latrine coverage and handwashing facilities increasing from 0% to 95%.

However, despite these achievements, it was noted that full coverage had not yet been attained. Consequently, five villages were not declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) until every household was accounted for.

Organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) – Karamoja Water Management Zone (KWMZ), along with Youth Go Green and the youth sub-committee, the aim was to get young minds buzzing about how to tackle big environmental problems. From across the Eastern Region, 10 universities and 10 schools received invitations. The idea was to bring in fresh ideas and viewpoints on how to handle issues like saving water, taking care of nature, and dealing with climate change.

At the debates, participants shared their thoughts on things like saving water, keeping things clean, using green energy, and fighting climate change. It was all about encouraging them to think hard and come up with smart ways to help their communities and the environment.

The march, which took place  today, served as a platform to highlight the importance of water conservation, environmental protection, and climate resilience in the Eastern region. Participants waved banners and placards adorned with messages promoting sustainable water management practices, eco-friendly initiatives, and actions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Representatives from MWE, NEMA, Eco Green, and NWSC led the procession, emphasizing the need for collective action to safeguard the region’s water resources and preserve its natural ecosystems.

In addition to the march, the Eastern Regional Water Week activities include a series of workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs scheduled throughout the week. These initiatives aim to empower local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders with knowledge and tools to address water and environmental challenges effectively.

According to reports, at least 34.8% of the refugees mostly women and children in the settlement camp, have been diagnosed with acute and chronic malnutrition.

The sharp rise of the condition has been attributed to severe food crisis brought by the impacts of climate change which has destroyed food crops coupled with the reduction of the monthly relief cash and food rations for refugees by the World Food Program coming as a result of the funding shortfall brought by the impacts of Covid-19 and wars.

Cliff Winston Alvarico, the Team Leader, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said  it is a worrying situation that needs an urgent intervention to prevent coming as a result of hunger related complications .

According to Alvarico, of the 80,000 refugees of which 82% being female, 34% of them have been diagnosed with  acute and chronic malnutrition and are undergoing treatment at their facility.

He said the problem has been made worse by shortage of food and  the sale of the little food the refugees get , coupled with the harsh weather which has also ravaged the little refuges they have cultivated.

Fivi Akullu, the Palabek Refugee Commandant, said  to address the problem, the government through the office of the prime minister has acquired 2,200 acres of land in Beyogoya in Palabek Gem Sub County, Lamwo District to produce of food for the refugees to help save situation.

Akullu further stressed that  all the 15 nongovernmental organizations implementing  livelihood programs have been tasked  to put their heads together and plan for the production of food for the refugees starting next year.

Geoffrey Orsbon Oceng, Lamwo Resident Commissioner, said the severe food crisis has not only resulted in malnutrition but also insecurity within the settlement camp.

Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients.

Uganda is home to 1.4 million refugees who have settled in West Nile, Acholi sub region and East Uganda.

According to the warden forest restoration, Mr. Richard Kigenyi, the project is rehabilitating
10,000 hactares of degraded land in Kibale National Park where natural causes, human
disturbances and poor land management has led to severe degradation and soil erosion.

The forest cover acts as carbon sinks, storing the carbon dioxide in the wood and soil, and
preventing immediate release.Kigenyi said they have so far restored 4,600 hectares, 3,500 regenerated naturally and about 2000 hectares remaining are valleys, swamps and hills.

He said this rainy season, they are planting about 30 hectares and they close the area, and then
after, UWA will decide which area to plant next. “29 years now, the project has registered a success. We have raised a forest which is unique with only indigenous trees. And the main objective of this project is to raise a forest which absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere” he said.

Kigenyi revealed that out of the 1.8million trees planted, 1.5million tones of carbon dioxide have
been absorbed into that forest. “Every after three years, all the planted trees are assessed to ascertain how much carbon dioxide has been absorbed. In the recent assessment, 1 hectare had absorbed 220 tonnes of carbon dioxide and the 230,000 tones of carbon dioxide had been absorbed in the whole forest” he said.

According to Kigenyi, the revenue from carbon is shared equally between the project and Kibale
National park. He however revealed that the 50 percent that the park gets is shared with the community which takes 25 percent of it and the park takes 75 percent. “The 75 percent we get from our share is invested back into restoration and the 25 percent that goes to the community is used to supporting the livelihood projects, life skills among others” he said.

He further noted that the project is not only helping in combating climate change but has reduced
on poaching because they are supporting communities with livelihoods to enable them get some
income and desist from poaching.

By planting indigenous trees and supporting natural regeneration, the project which is run jointly
with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, will create a thriving carbon sink. The area has a very high concentration of primates and has achieved Biodiversity Gold certification under the climate, community and Biodiversity standard. Carbon trading is a market-based system aimed at reducing greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Under the Kyoto Protocol countries are obliged to reduce carbon emissions in an attempt to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1997 which commits countries by
setting internationally binding emission reduction targets.  The forest cover acts as carbon sinks, storing the carbon dioxide in the wood and soil, and preventing immediate release.

Challenges

Mr. Bashir Hangi the UWA public relations officer said there is too much pressure on the demand for
forest products by the communities who enter the park illegally. He revealed that people illegally access the forest for products to make energy drinks and other herbal medicines hence injuring the forest and affecting its growth.

“Nearly all the trees we have in the park are endangered because they are used to make herbal
medicine. Though we choose some time and give free entry to people in the community to access
the forest, they have continued to access it illegally and when they get there they don’t know
what to take and what to leave” Hangi said. He however said that they are working hand in hand with the community to ensure they address these challenges.

He called upon communities around the park and the general public embrace planting of
indigenous trees around their homes in order to contribute to addressing the issue of climate
change.

Hon. Beatrice Anywar Atim -Minister of State for Environment (MWE) gave  Opening remarks where she  shared that Women in LDCs are continuously prevented from participating in high level conversations starting at village level.  ”Women continue to face various challenges like low education, inaccessibility to health services, and burden of care at family level, among others. ‘she said.

According to Hon Beatrice ,Women  continuously struggling to realize their full potential amidst the climate change crisis. She mentioned that not all hope was lost stating that ,government of Uganda has created opportunities for women to vie for spaces in leadership at national level from 10% to over 40% representation; scholarships to attend higher education; additional 1.5 points at attain higher education; among many other initiatives. She emphasized education and hands-on skilling, as well as economic empowerment as initiatives for women to step-up their game and be empowered to speak up in places of power and influence. She emphasized for women to work together, mentor, and support each other.

Elin  Sigurdarottir – from the ministry of foreign Affairs – Government of Iceland said 25% of the UNFCCC delegates were women. pointing that there  existing inequalities in participation in the COPs. Women still continue to suffer the brunt of climate crises. She diagnosed  that gender inequalities and stereotypes; systemic discrimination (systems have been built to discriminate women leading to systemic inequality of opportunities, hence inequality of outcomes; low labour force participation of women with majority of time spent doing unpaid care work (2.8 hrs more than men). she added that gender equality in Iceland was mainly involuntary but forced through legislation on equal pay; maternity and paternity leave, among others.

Sun Young Sur – United Nations Industrial development organization  (UNIDO) said limited resources allocated to building capacities of young people to participate in global processes like COP where decisions are made; lack of representation of youth at decision making tables at global level; socio-economic and political processes are dominated by the patriarchy and  cultural views that youth and women are unable to make decisions were some of the disablers for progress.

Hon. Winnie Masiko  – the moderator of the session highlighted development of tools and indicators that measure gender inclusion in various projects; planning for women and youth inclusion and participation in various opportunities and processes at the granular level; incorporation of gender in adaptation funds; design and implement effective and sustainable programs by understanding the experiences of men and women as these differ.

She said society recognition of the labour of women; reparations need to be made when it comes to climate change loss and damage (these are both economic and non-economic); having gender markers of the funds allocated towards gender equality; advising that parties need  to be more sensitive to the compositions of their delegates to COP and  supporting youth and women-led organizations to design and implement their programs.