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.