Ministry of Water Kicks Off Water Week Pre-Activities in Mbarara

The Ministry of Water and Environment has launched pre-activities ahead of Water Week, kicking off a five-day program aimed at raising awareness on conservation.

The activities, which began on Friday, include general cleaning of city suburbs, a health camp, youth engagement, and tree planting.

The initiative brings together Mbarara City Council, environmentalists, and other stakeholders committed to wetland conservation.

Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi emphasised the need for collective responsibility in protecting water resources.

“As a city, we cannot operate in isolation. We need the community, stakeholders, technical teams, and the media to work together in protecting these resources,” Kakyebezi said.

However, he noted that more sensitisation is needed.

“The population in the city is growing rapidly, and while NEMA is doing a great job, the community’s attitude remains a challenge,” he added.

Joseph Asasira, an environment officer at Mbarara City Council, expressed concern over continued wetland encroachment.

“We still have cases of backfilling wetlands, which is illegal. Wetlands act as reservoirs, yet whenever it rains, we face floods in Kiyanja, Biharwe, and Koranorya,” Asasira said.

He stressed that the week’s activities are meant to help the public understand their role in conservation.

Thomas Kamusiime, the Rwizi Police Community Liaison Officer, highlighted the police’s role in enforcement, noting that legal action should be a last resort.

“When people fail to comply, it becomes the police’s duty to intervene. However, we prefer working with technical teams to find solutions,” Kamusiime said.

Speaking to Nile Post, Steven Emol, team leader at Victoria Water Management under the Ministry of Water for southwestern Uganda, said conservation efforts are often misunderstood as harassment.

“The community should understand that NEMA exists to support livelihoods, not to harass people. Working together for the common good is the goal,” Emol said.

He added that the Water Week activities—including a health camp, sports events, and youth engagement—will serve as a reminder of people’s roles in environmental conservation and foster better collaboration with communities.

Uganda will officially mark Water and Environment Week from March 17 to 21, 2025, under the theme “Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods.”