Ibanda Moves to Restore Mpanga Catchment, Protect Vital Water Source

Ibanda District has launched a major effort to restore the Mpanga River catchment area, a key water source for the region.

Funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation through the Ministry of Water and Environment’s Albertine Water Management Zone, the project focuses on rehabilitating degraded areas through watershed management and conservation.

Elly Kilya, the Ibanda District Natural Resources Officer, emphasized the urgency of protecting River Mpanga, calling it "the lifeline of Ibanda’s water supply."

The initiative includes planting 20,000 trees across 40 hectares in Rushango Town Council, Nyamarebe, Rukiri, and Nyabuhikye sub-counties.

Farmers have begun training, received tools, and prepared 1,500 pits for tree planting between March and May.

District Vice Chairperson Elias Tumubwine assured full government support, urging political leaders and the community to participate actively.

"Restoring the Mpanga catchment will not only mitigate climate change but also secure a sustainable future for our people," he said.

With strong community involvement, the project aims to improve water availability, soil conservation, and climate resilience, securing long-term benefits for Ibanda residents.