by lucky Patrick
Residents in the Rwenzori region have been urged to take weather warnings seriously and adopt environmental conservation practices to reduce the risk of disasters such as floods and landslides.
The call was made by the Executive Director of the National Resources Defense Initiatives (NRDI), Edger Muganzi, who warned that the Rwenzori region remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its mountainous terrain and increasing environmental degradation.
Speaking to the media, Muganzi said the region frequently experiences disasters including landslides, floods and soil erosion, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. He emphasized that warnings issued by the Uganda Meteorological Department should not be ignored, as they are meant to help communities prepare and avoid loss of life and property.
According to Muganzi, communities living in high-risk areas such as steep slopes and river banks should remain alert whenever weather alerts are issued and take precautionary measures such as relocating temporarily to safer places when necessary.
He noted that many disasters in the region are worsened by human activities including deforestation, poor farming methods and settlement in fragile ecosystems. These practices, he said, weaken the soil structure and increase the chances of landslides during heavy rains.
Muganzi therefore encouraged residents to actively participate in environmental protection initiatives, particularly tree planting, which he said plays a critical role in stabilizing the soil, controlling water flow and reducing the impact of floods.
“Planting trees helps strengthen the soil and reduces the risk of landslides and floods. Environmental conservation is a responsibility for everyone if we want to protect our communities from disasters,” Muganzi said.
He also called upon local leaders, environmental organizations and government agencies to intensify sensitization campaigns to educate the public about disaster preparedness and the importance of protecting the environment.
Muganzi emphasized that through collective efforts, including following weather advisories and restoring degraded environments, communities in the Rwenzori region can significantly reduce the risks associated with natural disasters.
The Rwenzori region has in the past experienced several disasters linked to heavy rainfall, which have led to displacement of families, destruction of crops and damage to infrastructure, highlighting the need for greater vigilance and environmental protection.