By Leonard Mukooli
MBALE
The Ministry of Water and Environment has organized a marathon to help save River Manafwa, a vital water source in the Bugisu Sub-region, which is under severe environmental threat due to deforestation, pollution, and unregulated human activities.
The marathon, scheduled for March 16, 2025, is one of the key pre-activities leading up to the 8th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK).
Engineer Maximo Twinomuhangi, the principal hydrologist who also doubles as the team leader of the Kyoga Water Management Zone at the Ministry of Water and Environment, emphasized the importance of preserving rivers and wetlands to maintain healthy ecosystems. “Water and the environment are critical natural resources. River Manafwa is under severe degradation, and if we don’t act now, the consequences will be devastating,” he stated
Environmental and Human-Induced Threats
River Manafwa originates from Mount Elgon and flows through Bududa, Manafwa, Mbale, and Butaleja before merging with River Mpologoma. Once a reliable source of water for thousands, the river is now struggling due to deforestation, siltation, and pollution. Farming activities along the riverbanks, sand mining by local youth, and poor waste disposal have significantly contributed to its decline.
Experts warn that the situation could worsen unless urgent measures are taken. “Deforestation has left the hillsides exposed, causing heavy siltation in the river. What we are seeing is a direct consequence of human activities,” said Marion Namono, Environmental Officer for Bududa District. Satellite images reveal that the once-lush upper catchment is now barren and eroded, exacerbating the effects of climate change.
Downstream, communities are grappling with erratic water supply and unpredictable flooding. “In the past, we used to catch fish here, but now the river is too polluted,” lamented Moses Wamoto, a former fisherman in Butaleja. The use of agricultural chemicals and poor waste management have also turned sections of the river into dumping grounds, posing health risks to residents.
Government Investments at Risk
The degradation of River Manafwa threatens several multibillion-shilling government projects. The Bududa-Nabweya Gravity Flow Scheme, which supplies water to over 30,000 people, and the Doho-Doho Irrigation Scheme, supporting 1,500 rice farmers, are struggling due to excessive siltation. “Silt is suffocating our infrastructure,” said Denneth Ngabirano, Manager of the Umbrella for Water and Sanitation East. “We are spending millions on maintenance—money that could build new systems.”
The Marathon
The upcoming marathon is part of a broader effort to raise awareness and mobilize resources for restoring River Manafwa. Other planned activities include school debates, tree planting initiatives, and community engagement programs aimed at educating locals about environmental conservation.
Simon Peter Wamoto Nabende, Minister of Climate Change in the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, called for long-term restoration efforts. “We must take action to prevent further environmental degradation. Our people are already suffering from floods and landslides due to deforestation,” he said.
Twinomuhangi urged the public to support the initiative, noting that protecting the river is key to sustainable development. “It’s not too late to save River Manafwa, but we must act now.”
As the river continues its journey from Mount Elgon to Lake Kyoga, it carries both life and destruction. Whether it remains a lifeline for communities or becomes a symbol of environmental collapse depends on the actions taken today.
