Kikuube RDC orders for slashing of crops planted in Nyakasi River

Maize planted in Nyakasi River, Buhimba Town Council in Kikuube District. (Image: Samuel Baguma)

By Samuel Baguma

The Kikuube Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Amlan Tumusiime, has ordered for the immediate slashing and cutting down of maize and eucalyptus trees respectively that were planted in Nyakasi River, Buhimba Town Council.

This follows reports from concerned residents that the once big, all year round river has now become seasonal and reduced to a small water body by encroachers who are ecosystem insensitive who planted crops there, thus, blocking the water flow.

The report coerced the RDC and other district official to move to the locus where it was found that the water volume and level of Nyakasi River reduced drastically due to encroachment for agricultural practices.

Mr Tumusiime said the crops should be destroyed by next week warning that all encroachers on wetlands for farming and, brick laying should vacate them voluntarily.

Audio: Tumusiime on River Nyakasi (English)

Recently, during their retreat at Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute (NALI), President Yoweri Museveni ordered all RDCs and Resident City Commissioners to evict encroachers from ecological areas.

Mr Musa Mugisa, the Buhimba Town Council Chairman, warned people against encroaching on wetlands wondering that Nyakasi River that was once roaring with water, nowadays runs dry during the dry season.

Audio: Mugisa on River Nyakasi (English)
Nyakasi River encroached on for agriculture. (Image: Samuel Baguma)

Mr James Kuhambya, the Kigaaya West Cell through which River Nyakasi flows, urged the residents to preserve the environment for intergenerational benefit, warning that the perpetrators will be apprehended and arraigned before court for the illegality.

Audio: Kuhambya on River Nyakasi (Runyoro/Rutooro)

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