SPORT- Fort Portal City came alive with a sense of purpose as hundreds of volunteers gathered for the monthly cleanup of River Mpanga and its surrounding areas. With brooms, shovels, and a shared commitment to environmental conservation, participants from different organizations worked side by side to clear waste, restore wetlands, and raise awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources.
Ministry of Water and Environment-Albertine Water Management Zone (AWMZ), together with AFRIYEA Golf Academy, Fort Portal City, Tooro Kingdom, UPDF, Mountains of the Moon University, NRDI, KRC, JESE, Miss Tourism Uganda, Join for Water, and several other stakeholders, this cleanup was part of the Albertine Regional Water and Environment Week 2025 (#UWEWK). The cleanup focused on different parts of the river tributaries, including Mpanga and Kabundaire markets, and took 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 vital ecosystems.
The activity intended to spread awareness on proper waste management for sustainable water resources and environmental management with the main goal of keeping River Mpanga clean and safe for socio economic development of the Mpanga Catchment.
The event was also attended by other Ministry of water and environment Departments namely; Rural Water and Sanitation Regional Centre – 5, Umbrella of Water and Sanitation – Mid Western together with various Stakeholders and Partners.
Leaders and Participants Speak Out
“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 broader national strategy of climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. Our wetlands and water bodies are under 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.”said Dr. Brian Guma, the team leader from the Ministry of Water and Environment,
The Resident City Commissioner, Stanley Bayole, commended the commitment of various stakeholders.
“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.”
“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.” Betty Mujungu, Deputy Mayor of Fort Portal City.
“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.” RT. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Akiiki, Tooro Kingdom, the Prime Minister who represented His Majesty the King of Tooro.
One of the young participants, Violet Kasiime, a student of Mpanga SSS and a member of the Uganda Red Cross Society, expressed her pride in being part of the initiative.
“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.”
The Role of AFRIYEA Golf Academy
“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. 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. Through tree planting, wetland restoration, and environmental education, we are ensuring that our children grow up in a world where nature and sport coexist in harmony.” Isaiah Mwesige, CEO of AFRIYEA Golf Academy.
