Rubirizi District Local Government, in collaboration with Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), has launched a five-year environmental work plan aimed at promoting sustainability, conserving natural resources and protecting tourism attractions in communities.
The plan was launched at Rubirizi District Headquarters, where residents and local leaders were urged to take collective action against environmental degradation.
Speaking during the launch, Rubirizi District Environment Officer Agaba Agrey Patriot cautioned residents against deforestation, wetland encroachment, pollution of lakes and rivers, bush burning and poor waste disposal.
Agaba said the environmental work plan is intended to protect and preserve the district’s natural resources and tourism attractions, noting that Rubirizi is richly endowed with forests, wetlands, crater lakes, wildlife and part of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
However, he expressed concern that continued environmental degradation through tree cutting, wetland encroachment and improper waste disposal is threatening conservation efforts.
He urged residents to embrace tree planting, proper waste management and sustainable farming practices, while calling on communities to report and resist activities that destroy the environment.
Agaba also warned that environmental destruction contributes to climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. He said conserving natural resources can help improve agricultural productivity, preserve biodiversity and wildlife, protect tourism attractions, provide clean air and water, create income through eco-tourism and safeguard future generations from environmental hazards.
Reproductive Health Uganda Executive Director Anet Kyarimpa said the organisation joined the initiative because of the strong connection between environmental sustainability, health and community well-being.
Kyarimpa explained that environmental degradation directly affects people’s health, food security and livelihoods. She urged parents to embrace home gardening and grow nutritious vegetables to help address malnutrition among children.
She also encouraged parents to take responsibility for their children’s education, saying an educated community is more likely to understand the importance of protecting natural resources and supporting conservation efforts.
“When we destroy our environment, we also affect the quality of services and livelihoods in our communities,” Kyarimpa said, pledging that Reproductive Health Uganda would continue working with the district and communities to promote both health and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, Rubirizi Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Nshekanabo Amidu called on residents to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
Amidu expressed concern over the continued cutting down of trees for firewood, clearing of wetlands and pollution of lakes and rivers, saying these activities are contributing to the destruction of the district’s natural resources.
He appealed to government to support communities with energy-saving cooking stoves to reduce dependence on firewood and help curb deforestation.
Amidu urged residents to take the Environmental Action Plan seriously and work together to protect natural resources and tourism attractions, which he said have contributed significantly to Rubirizi’s development and reputation.
He further called on security agencies to take action against people found degrading the environment and tourism resources, warning that such activities undermine development efforts in the district.
Compiled by: Hon. Tugume Muzafaru
Senior News Reporter, Rubirizi District
