RWIZI ENCROACHERS ON NOTICE! Police, Courts Told to Handle Cases With Heavy Charges
File photo, President Yoweri Museveni looks at what remains of River RwIzi when he toured a bridge built in Mbarara.
By Amos Tayebwa
MBARARA — People encroaching on River Rwizi and its protected buffer zones could face tougher enforcement, with Kashari South County MP Rtd. Cpt. John Bosco Bamuturaki Tumusiime saying police, courts and the UPDF have been briefed to give environmental offences greater attention.
Bamuturaki said cases involving encroachment on River Rwizi should be given priority whenever they are reported to police.
He said the issue should not be treated lightly because of the importance of the river to Mbarara and surrounding communities.
“This time around we have got environmental police, we have courts and they are all briefed and tasked to handle environmental cases, especially the R.Rwizi encroachment,” Bamuturaki said.
He warned people who are constructing structures along the river channels and within the protected buffer zone.
“Those who are building along the channels, those who are building along the river buffer zone, you are at risk,” he said.
Bamuturaki also called for the identification and reporting of factories and other establishments accused of encroaching on the river.
“Let’s expose these people and the factories which are encroaching on the river, so that we make our river survive,” he said.
He was speaking during the River Rwizi Run 2026 held at Booma Grounds in Mbarara City last Saturday, where he was the chief guest.
The event was organised to raise awareness about the need to protect River Rwizi.
Bamuturaki said conservation of the river requires the involvement of different sectors, including communities, leaders, security agencies and environmental authorities.
He said residents should report leaders who are involved in activities that contribute to encroachment.
“During my tenure as the chairman LC5 Mbarara District we said we should remove the leaders first, the leaders who were elected and were part of the encroachment, we first removed them, even when we were putting pillars in place,” he said.
He said political leaders should take the lead in protecting the river.
“Leaders must be at the forefront in fighting against encroachment on river Rwizi, not being the encroachers themselves,” he added.
Bamuturaki linked the protection of River Rwizi to the continued growth of Mbarara City.
He said the city’s growing population requires a reliable water source.
“Mbarara cannot be a City without a permanent source of water,” he said.
He also said the city’s economic development depends on industries, which in turn require adequate water supplies.
“Mbarara City shall not have industries if Rwizi is shrinking,” he said.
Mbarara City has experienced population growth and increased economic activity, raising demand for water for domestic and commercial use.
Bamuturaki said the continued protection of the river should therefore involve both government institutions and communities.
He urged residents to report suspected encroachment and other activities affecting the river to the relevant authorities.
The MP’s remarks come amid continued concerns over encroachment on riverbanks and buffer zones in the Rwizi catchment.
Environmental authorities have previously warned against activities such as construction and other developments in protected areas because of their potential impact on water sources.
During the River Rwizi Run, participants and organisers used the event to promote awareness about conservation of the river.
Bamuturaki said the involvement of police and the courts would strengthen enforcement against those found violating environmental laws.
He said people involved in encroachment should face the appropriate legal process.
The MP also appealed to leaders and residents to support efforts to protect the river.
He said the responsibility for safeguarding River Rwizi should not be left to one institution or group.
The River Rwizi is an important water system in the greater Mbarara area and supports domestic, agricultural and economic activities.
Bamuturaki said continued encroachment could affect the availability of water needed by the city’s growing population and businesses.
He urged residents to work with authorities to identify activities threatening the river and ensure that reported cases are followed up.
The River Rwizi Run 2026 ended with renewed calls for stronger community participation and enforcement of environmental regulations around the river.
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