Fort Portal City witnessed a powerful demonstration of environmental stewardship as hundreds of volunteers gathered for the monthly cleanup of River Mpanga and its surroundings.
Armed with brooms, shovels, and a shared commitment to conservation, participants from various organizations joined forces to remove waste, restore wetlands, and raise awareness about the significance of safeguarding natural resources.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Water and Environment’s Albertine Water Management Zone (AWMZ), was part of the Albertine Regional Water and Environment Week 2025 (#UWEWK).
It saw active participation from AFRIYEA Golf Academy, Fort Portal City, Tooro Kingdom, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Mountains of the Moon University, NRDI, KRC, JESE, Miss Tourism Uganda, Join for Water, and numerous other stakeholders.
Volunteers focused on key river tributaries, including Mpanga and Kabundaire markets, while also taking an important step in demarcating wetlands under pressure from human activity.
A symbolic pillar was planted at Nyakimya Wetland in Booma, Fort Portal Central Division, marking the beginning of a broader effort to restore and protect these essential ecosystems.
The activity aimed to promote proper waste management for sustainable water resources and environmental conservation, with the ultimate goal of keeping River Mpanga clean and safe for the socio-economic development of the Mpanga Catchment.
Dr. Brian Guma, team leader from the Ministry of Water and Environment, emphasized the urgent need for action.
“Environmental conservation is not an option; it is a necessity. The government of Uganda has prioritized sustainable development, and initiatives like these align with our national strategy for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. Our wetlands and water bodies face immense pressure due to human activities, and it is our collective responsibility to reverse this trend. Through partnerships like this, we can restore degraded ecosystems and ensure that natural resources continue to support livelihoods, agriculture, and economic development.”
Fort Portal Resident City Commissioner Stanley Bayole commended the dedication of the various stakeholders, stating, “Fort Portal is a growing city, and with development comes the responsibility of environmental conservation. We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in keeping our city clean and our water sources safe. This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for a common goal.”
Deputy Mayor Betty Mujungu echoed similar sentiments. “A clean city is a healthy city. This initiative fosters a culture of responsibility where every citizen understands that they have a role to play in environmental conservation. The city leadership is proud to be part of this movement, and we will continue supporting such efforts to ensure Fort Portal remains one of the cleanest and most sustainable cities in Uganda.”
Representing His Majesty the King of Tooro, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Akiiki reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to environmental protection.
“Our heritage is tied to nature, and it is our duty to protect the environment for future generations. The Kingdom will continue to support efforts that restore our wetlands and safeguard River Mpanga. Environmental conservation is not only about policies and regulations; it is about action, and today we have demonstrated our commitment to preserving our land and water.”
Beyond the fairways and greens, Afriyea Golf Academy is shaping a new generation of environmentally conscious athletes.
Speaking at the River Mpanga cleanup, CEO Isaiah Mwesige emphasized that golf is more than just a sport—it is a discipline rooted in nature, responsibility, and sustainability.
“Golf is not just about sport; it is about nature, discipline, and responsibility. At Afriyea Golf Academy, we believe that protecting the environment is as important as perfecting a golf swing. This cleanup is a step toward a cleaner and greener future,” Mwesige stated. “We teach our young golfers that the environment is their playing field, and if we don’t take care of it, we lose much more than just a game—we lose our future.”
The academy has integrated environmental stewardship into its programs through initiatives like tree planting, wetland restoration, and environmental education.
Young people also played a vital role in the cleanup. Violet Kasiime, a student at Mpanga SSS and a member of the Uganda Red Cross Society, expressed her pride in participating.
“As young people, we must take part in shaping the future of our environment. Seeing so many people come together for this cause gives me hope that we can make a real difference.”
