Leaders and environmental experts in Karugutu Town Council have called on residents to take urgent steps to protect water catchment areas amid growing concerns over environmental degradation and misuse of water resources.
The appeal was made during a community sensitisation meeting on environmental conservation that brought together residents, local leaders and stakeholders involved in natural resource management in Ntoroko District.
Participants raised alarm over increasing human activities affecting water sources, including poor waste disposal and encroachment on protected areas.
According to Gilbert Byamugisha, Manager at the Mid-Western Umbrella of Water and Sanitation, growing pressure on water catchment areas could lead to serious water scarcity if communities fail to take responsibility for conservation.
Environmental officers also pointed to vandalism of water infrastructure as a key challenge. Herbert Kamuhanda said some residents are cutting water pipes and interfering with water systems, worsening access to safe water.
The meeting followed an initiative by the Ministry of Water and Environment, in partnership with the Natural Resource Defence Initiative, to commission community water sources for domestic use and livestock in Nyakabira village, Rwamabale Parish, Bweramule Sub-county.
Programme Manager Benon Bwalhuma said the project is intended to improve access to clean water while encouraging communities to safeguard water resources.
Meanwhile, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Cyrus Muzeeyi Ngarambe warned that individuals found vandalising water infrastructure will be arrested and prosecuted.
“Anyone found sabotaging government efforts to provide clean water will face the law,” he cautioned.
Leaders emphasised that protecting water catchment areas is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for securing reliable water access for households and livestock in the district.
