Summary:

• The Rwizi River, once heavily impacted by sand mining, now symbolizes resilience and environmental stewardship. Recent efforts, including a cleanup and tree planting initiative, aim to transition local communities towards sustainable livelihoods.

The Rwizi River, a critical 8200-kilometer lifeline supporting over five million people across twelve districts in southwestern Uganda, has transformed from a hub of busy sand mining to a symbol of resilience. The end of sand extraction marks a new chapter, urging a collective search for sustainable livelihoods that prioritize the river’s well-being.

As escalating degradation due to unsustainable land use and resource exploitation becomes evident, there is an undeniable urgency to review our practices. It serves as a call to navigate this critical crisis with a shared commitment to preserving the river’s integrity while ensuring the prosperity of the communities it sustains, fostering harmonious coexistence between human activities and environmental conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.

On the 28th, Mbarara Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Emmy Turyabagyenyi Kateera, took decisive action to stop unregulated sand mining in Rwanyampazi village, Kashaka Parish, Bubaare Sub County, emphasizing that such practices had led to the degradation of the Rwizi River.

On the 4th of March, a powerful collaboration unfolded between the Ministry of Water and Environment together with our dedicated team from Citizens’ Concern Africa, community members, and other organizations, marking a significant stride in our shared commitment to environmental stewardship. This ample initiative was a testament to our collective dedication to enhancing the well-being of our surroundings. Working hand in hand, we actively participated in a river cleanup, restoring the vitality of the waterway. In a forward-thinking move, we also planted trees along the riverbanks, contributing to the long-term ecological balance of our ecosystem. Beyond these tangible actions, the event served as a meaningful platform for discussions on environmental restoration, fostering a united commitment to preserving and nurturing the natural spaces that sustain us all.

In the wake of the end of sand mining along the Rwizi River, the locals, formerly dependent on this activity for their livelihoods, now have the opportunity to transition towards sustainable income-generating alternatives. Promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and backyard farming, emerges as a practical and environmentally conscious solution. Moreover, the initiation of small-scale projects like mushroom cultivation adds a layer of diversity to income streams. Residents can actively participate in reforestation projects, contributing to ecological sustainability, while also exploring the production of eco-friendly construction materials, with Bamboo being a noteworthy example. Concurrently, engaging in sustainable fishing practices and beginning aquaculture projects present reliable sources of income. This will embrace various alternatives that ensure a multifaceted and sustainable approach to income generation, enabling local communities to prosper without compromising the delicate balance of the Rwizi River’s well-being.

The end of sand mining along the Rwizi River signifies more than just the end of a damaging practice; it shows us how to embrace sustainable livelihoods that can exist in harmony with the natural environment. Through a strategic investment in eco-friendly agriculture, community-based tourism initiatives, and comprehensive reforestation projects, we hold the key to securing a prosperous future for both the local communities and the river itself. It’s high time we transition from viewing the Rwizi solely as a resource to exploit and instead recognize it as a wellspring of inspiration for sustainable living. With thoughtful choices and collective commitment, we can navigate this transition successfully, proving that we can thrive without compromising the invaluable health and vitality of the Rwizi River.

The writer is Ms Caroline Kinkuhaire Citizens’ Concern Africa Advocacy Officer Email: carolinekinkuhaire12@gmail.com Website: https://citizensconcernafrica.org