The outstretched encroachment of water resources such as rivers, lakes and wetlands in various parts of Uganda has culminated in hazardous effects such as floods, global warming and climate change with their related negative impacts on various communities.

Thousands of people who were displaced to Muhokya Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp by the River Nyamwamba floods in Kasese district continue to face misery given the way of life in the camp.

To mitigate some of the challenges faced by those displaced and residents, 54 local government (LG) leaders in the Albert Water Management zone have met and discussed most of the obstacles that have failed strategies laid to ensure effective water resource management.

All this was during a workshop intended to review the draft water resource management and development strategy and action plan of Albert water management zone organized by the water ministry at Rwenzori International Hotel in Kasese Municipality on April 11, 2024.

Leaders within Albert Water Management zone in a discussion about water resource management.

Kyenjojo district LC5 chairperson Gilbert Rubaihayo said failure to implement and enforce the existing laws as listed by the Environment Management Act and Water Act is to blame for the failure to sustainably utilise water resources.

According to Rubaihayo, the selective application of the law where only poor people are evicted from gazetted water catchment areas is also to blame.

"The law should apply uniformly," Rubaihayo said.

Rubaihayo added that most districts' environment departments are given few resources (money and vehicles), which is also greatly contributing to the failure to implement the laws.

"In most cases, we see people from NEMA head offices coming with money to enforce. Let that money be channelled from ministries to local governments," he added.

Kasese district Bulembya division LC3 chairperson Richard Bomera said corruption is to blame because according to him, by far the most failing aspect and stressed out that 20% of the money meant to put up some implementation projects is always embezzled by the contractors to buy favour from various authorities.

Kisoro district LC5 chairperson Abel Bizimana said the water ministry and other partners concentrate on the lowlands while implementing water management strategies forgetting the highlands, yet they are the origin of most water bodies.

"They forget that the problem begins in the highlands," Abel said.

"For instance, last season we lost 10 people because of landslides," he added.

About River Nyamwamba de-silting

Eliphazi Muhindi, the Kasese District LC5 chairperson, commended the Government for the recently concluded shillings 33 billion projects of de-silting River Nyamwamba which also included tree planting along the river banks and livelihood initiatives such as the coffee washing plant.

"However, I request the Government to also think about the people downstream" Muhindi said.

Critical information is key

Richard Musota, the assistant water use planning commissioner, acknowledged that the engagement of various stakeholders in the review of the draft water resource management and development strategy and action plan of the Albert water management zone has enabled them to tap crucial information that will help them do mandatory implementations.

"That is why we felt it was important for us to first meet them," Musota said.

Responding to some challenges that have failed proper management of water resources, especially the issue of not minding about the highland areas like Kisoro, Musota said Kisoro is part of the Ruhezamyenda catchment of which they already have its plan.

"We want everyone to get on board." He said.

He, however, revealed that he water ministry remains committed to ensuring a sounding water resource management as several interventions have already been done including tree planting, ensuring enforcement of environmental laws, waging livelihood programs among others.