Residents of Chihe Parish, Nyakinama Subcounty, Kisoro District, are deeply concerned about the rising water levels of Lake Mutanda, fearing that this poses an immediate threat to their lives and livelihoods.
The most affected villages include Gikoro, Kangoma, Gifunzo, Burere, Kanyamangere, Businga, Kinoni, and Buturanyi.
The residents are increasingly worried that the continued rise in water levels may submerge their homes and plantations, leading to food insecurity and hunger due to poor crop yields.
In response to the crisis, the residents are urgently calling on the government to provide food relief, domestic supplies, and alternative livelihood options to support them during this environmental crisis.
Ntamukunzi Benon, the LC1 Chairperson of Gifunzo Village, attributed the rising water levels to the unusually heavy rains currently affecting the region.
He urged Kisoro District’s Production and Environment Office to intervene and sensitize the community on safe and sustainable living near water bodies.
Meanwhile, Karimunda Deo, the LC2 Chairperson of Chihe Parish, expressed concerns about the growing risk of disease outbreaks due to the expanding Chosa Bay Wetland.
He warned that the stagnant water could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other harmful insects, further endangering the health of the residents.
