Elgon residents urged on planting trees to save R.Manafwa

MBALE - Elgon region residents have been urged to plant trees and adopt sustainable environmental practices to save River Manafwa.

The river is under serious threat from human encroachment and climate change.

The appeal was made during the Save River Manafwa Marathon on March 16, 2025, in Mbale city, where hundreds took part in the 5km, 10km, and 20km races to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the river. 

The marathon was one of the key pre-events leading up to the Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK), set to begin today, March 17, 2025, at the water ministry headquarters in Kampala city.

The Mbale race was flagged off by Commonwealth Games gold medalist Moses Kipsiro at the Mbale Cricket Grounds with participants running towards the water pumping station along River Manafwa in Busiu town, Mbale district.

Kipsiro, a strong advocate for environmental conservation, expressed deep concern over the degradation of the Mount Elgon ecosystem, warning of severe consequences if no action is taken.

“If we do not take steps to save our environment today, we may face a difficult future. Rivers like Manafwa are the lifeline of our communities, and protecting them should be a priority,” Kipsiro stated.

Eng. Maximo Twinomuhangi, the principal hydrologist and team leader of the Kyoga water management zone, said the River Manafwa has been severely degraded due to activities such as deforestation, farming along riverbanks, and sand mining.

“We need a deliberate campaign to restore River Manafwa by creating awareness, planting trees, and establishing protective water embankments to prevent further degradation,” Twinomuhangi emphasised.

Goden Namanya, the deputy manager for water for production (eastern region), stressed that the river is crucial for multiple projects that support livelihoods in the region.

“It is important to revive River Manafwa and reclaim lost vegetation along its banks to ensure that communities depending on it do not suffer,” Namanya said.

Mbale district vice-chairperson Base Katami pledged political support to conservation efforts, stating that protecting River Manafwa is a collective responsibility.

“Protecting this river is a greater cause that benefits us all and we will ensure those working to conserve it receive the necessary support,” Katami said.

Meanwhile, eastern region chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, Can. Rev. Titus Kutosi called for a wider conservation effort, pointing out that other rivers in the Mount Elgon region are also facing destruction.

“We must take collective responsibility to restore not just River Manafwa but all rivers in the region that are at risk,” Kutosi urged.

Catchment management strategy

Twinomuhangi revealed that the Government has developed a catchment water management system in collaboration with district leaders in the Elgon sub-region. This strategy will introduce community-based projects that actively engage residents in restoration efforts.

“We are working on a structured approach to involve communities in sustainable restoration programs that will ensure long-term conservation of River Manafwa and other water sources,” he explained.

"The Save River Manafwa Marathon” is expected to spark further conservation efforts in the region, with stakeholders committed to restoring degraded water sources and protecting the environment from the adverse effects of climate change and human encroachment.