CLAIRE NAYEBARE
Rwenzori region is set to benefit from the ongoing Albertine water and environment week 2022 following the series of activities designed under the Ministry of water and environment (MWE) via water resources Institute.
These, are set to be achieved within this week under the theme Water and environment for peace and socio-economic transformation of Uganda. The week is branded Uganda Water and Environment Week 2022( UWEWK)
The involved activities, include sanitation camp that was successfully done in Busuro and Rwengaju sub-counties on Sunday, commissioning of a water source at Aswa- Kyenjojo, Home improvement campaign in Busuro, Debate among secondary schools and Universities, Music Dance and Drama(MDD) in Kamwenge, Implementing catchment at River Nyamwamba, Cleaning Fort-Portal City, and the save River Mpanga Marathon.
According to Dr. Brian Emmanuel Guma, the Team leader of Albert water management zone at a directorate of water resources Management, the team commissioned Aswa, a bulk water supply system to supplement portable water sources in Kyenjojo and is to supply over 70 villages, then the home improvement campaign in Busoro to impact homes on improvement at a lowest household level.
Dr.Guma, argues that the Youth in Uganda make up 70%, and have a big role to play in the environmental change the world wants to see. For this reason he says, schools were considered vital in this activity.
At least 4 universities and five Secondary schools in Fort Portal were yesterday involved in an environmental debate at Nyabukara Youth Center. These included Team University, Uganda Pentecostal University, Mountains of the Moon University, and Fins Medical University while the secondary schools were Mpanga Secondary School, Nyakasura School, St Maria Gorette, Mpanga S.S among others.
The MDD, he says, is to sensitize the public about the environment and the need to preserve it.
He adds that by implementing catchments at River Nyamwamba in Kasese, they have showcased the great work done by the ministry to improve the quality of water.
Mr. Edwin Muhumuza, the Chief Executive Director Youth Go Green, says that the youth must nurture nature if they want to benefit from it.
Muhuuza appealed to the Youth to critically prepare and see the future of the environment through engaging in issues of climate and environment, campaigning against plastics, and called upon every individual to be an ambassador of restoring a clean city of Fort Portal.
Emmanuel Okeny, the Youth activity organizer based in Fort Portal, says that the youth should be educated and empowered to get involved in national policies of the environmental conservation
Meanwhile, The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for the right to a clean and healthy environment. It goes ahead to put in place a body (NEMA) charged with a responsibility of ensuring that Ugandans enjoy this right.
An insider from MWE, says that much as the ministry puts in place laws to protect the environment, It is every one’s responsibility to keep the environment litter free.
He however says that the ministry has concentrated much more on formulating laws and has failed to implement the laws that are continuously being made.
Recent research shows that 80% of waste floating on water bodies is mismanaged waste, posing a serious danger to human and aquatic life.
According to Dr. Brian from MWE, mindset remains key in achieving the environment the world desires, a reason he believes in the Bottom Up approach. He says change must begin from the lowest person so that the ministry comes in to do what that person cannot do.
Aaron Tulisingura, a Mpanga S.S Student, says he wants to impact the environment by starting up a club that advocates for environmental preservation, which will involve practical activities like planting trees.
He says this will help to increase sensitization to the public not only in words but also works.
The Albertine region includes over 30 districts of western Uganda where the Rwenzori region falls.
