UJK Launches Drive Towards the Restoration of R. Nyamughasana
UJK Editorial
Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese-UJK a local media organization together with the Kyarumba local Government and the local community of Kyarumba Sub County has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to protect River Nyamughasani catchment areas in Kasese district.
The four-month project which begun with a sensitisation meeting and signing of memorandum of understanding between the parties on Tuesday aims to improve water health, conserve environment and raise awareness on sustainable use of river banks through inclusive community based adaptation approaches.
Over 1,000 bambo trees will be planted in Mughanza village, Kanyatsi parish in Kyarumba.
River Nyamughasana is one of the major rivers in Kasese that has been prone to flooding leaving communities adjacent displaced and properties destroyed.
Rusia Musoki, the project head “Protecting River Nyamughasani Through Bamboo Tree Planting” said the project is part of the organization’s initiative to build capacities of targeted community mainly women to develop and put in practice localized catchment management plans, thus, contributing to the achievement of SDG13.
She notes that whereas journalists are known for only telling stories, it’s imperative to know that they are part and partial of a bigger society who face similar consequences when nature is established.
Lhukhonzo byte…
Oliva Biira a resident of Mughanza village has welcomed the project and said she would independently replicate the same techniques on their land to stabilize the banks.
She blames the destruction of the river on unplanned cultivation practices being done on river banks by community members.
Albert Kajungu, another resident applauded the initiative and committed that he would lead a community team to monitor the growth of the bamboo.
However, he asked UJK to mobilise more bamboo to cover River. Nyamuruseghe which remains a threat whenever its floods.
Comfort Evangeline Biira, another residents was disappointed that some people fail to plant trees and eventually when there is soil erosion even those on low lands who planted are affected. She wants the entire community to embrace conservation efforts.
Lhukhonzo byte…
Jeneva Kisura, the Kyarumba Sub County Chief says the sub county has been prone to disasters and requests for more bamboo to scale up the restoration of the river banks.
She adds that the Sub county lacks resources to put up interventions asking more development partners into the Sub County.
Isaac Sinamakoza, the managing director IDEAS for Us Uganda and an environmentalist says it’s important to have journalists actively get involved in mobilising the community to conserve the environment.
Saimon Bikeke, the Director UJK said bank stabilization requires community members to create a buffer zone along the river bank for regeneration or planting the appropriate species, and this cannot be achieved unless they clearly understand the benefits of this sacrifice.
