RUBIRIZI – Rubirizi District local leaders, in partnership with Tigikya Pearl Adventures, have launched a community awareness campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation, proper waste management, and tourism as key drivers of economic growth.
The campaign was officially launched during a community sensitisation meeting held at Nyabushabi Trading Centre in Katerera Sub-county, where residents were encouraged to protect the district’s natural resources by embracing responsible waste disposal practices and preserving the environment.
Speaking during the meeting, the Rubirizi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Ahamedi Kinene, said the district had embarked on a campaign to educate communities on the importance of environmental conservation and tourism development.
He warned that individuals found dumping plastic bottles and other waste into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and other protected areas would face arrest and prosecution.
“We have directed security agencies, working together with local leaders, to begin operations against people who litter the environment, especially those dumping plastic waste into water bodies. Protecting tourism and the environment is everyone’s responsibility because they are important sources of income for our communities,” Kinene said.
He urged residents to use dustbins for proper garbage collection and disposal, saying a clean environment is essential for promoting eco-tourism and sustainable development.
The Chief Executive Officer of Crater Pearl Adventures, Mr. Katusiime Maricel, who initiated the sensitisation campaign, said the organisation partnered with district leaders and security agencies to strengthen environmental protection efforts across Rubirizi.
He noted that the clean-up campaign is intended to showcase the district’s natural beauty while creating public awareness about the importance of conserving lakes, rivers, wetlands, and other tourism attractions.
“Our goal is to keep our natural resources clean and healthy by discouraging littering, especially the disposal of plastic bottles and other waste around water bodies. Environmental conservation is key to the growth of tourism,” he said.
Rubirizi District Internal Security Officer (DISO), Mr. Mwizukye Michael, expressed concern over the continued dumping of plastic waste into Lake Bugwaji, saying the practice has contributed to declining fish stocks and increased the risk of waterborne diseases.
He urged residents to take responsibility for protecting the environment for future generations, emphasizing that proper waste management, wetland conservation, and clean tourism sites are critical to the district’s development.
“Destroying wetlands and polluting water sources is not only an environmental issue but also a security concern because it threatens livelihoods, reduces fish stocks, and contributes to the spread of diseases,” he said.
Local leaders, led by Katerera Sub-county LC III Chairperson Akampurira Pascal, welcomed the initiative and pledged to support efforts aimed at protecting the environment.
Pascal called on residents to organise regular community clean-up exercises, saying a clean environment would attract more visitors and boost tourism in the district.
“Tourists will only visit Rubirizi if they find clean lakes, clean towns, and a healthy environment. A dirty environment discourages tourism and affects the incomes of local communities,” he said.
Residents also pledged to work closely with district leaders to protect Rubirizi’s lakes, rivers, wetlands, and other natural attractions, describing environmental conservation as essential for preserving tourism and improving livelihoods.
The awareness campaign forms part of ongoing efforts by Rubirizi District Local Government and its partners to promote sustainable environmental management while positioning the district as a leading eco-tourism destination in western Uganda.
Story compiled by Hon. Tugume Muzafaru, Senior News Reporter, Rubirizi.
