Stakeholders Rally to Protect River Mpanga Amid Growing Climate Change Threats

28 April 2026, 6:12 pm

By Lucky Patrick

A renewed call to protect the vital waters of River Mpanga has been sounded in Fort Portal, as stakeholders from across the region gathered for a two-day training focused on safeguarding the Mpanga catchment.

Held last week at Fort Breeze Hotel, the training brought together a diverse group of participants religious and cultural leaders, environmental activists, and representatives from non-governmental organizations all united by a shared concern: the increasing impact of climate change on water resources.

Organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment through the Albert Water Management Zone, the sessions focused on practical strategies to protect rivers within the Mpanga catchment, a lifeline for communities, agriculture, and biodiversity.

Climate change threat

Experts warned that changing weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall clear signs of climate change are placing growing pressure on River Mpanga and as a matter of fact, without urgent and coordinated action, these challenges could threaten livelihoods and ecosystems across the region.

Facilitating the training, Alex Muhwezi highlighted the power of communication in driving environmental action.

“When communities clearly understand what is at stake, they are more likely to protect it,” he said, urging participants to take the message beyond the training room and into homes, schools, and places of worship.

He emphasized that protecting River Mpanga is not just an environmental issue, but a shared responsibility that cuts across generations and communities residents and non-residents alike.

Closing the training, Asaba Frank called for stronger grassroots engagement. He encouraged stakeholders to translate environmental messages into local languages and simple terms so that everyone from farmers to urban dwellers can take part in conservation efforts.

The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and inspire wider public participation in protecting River Mpanga, an effort that is increasingly urgent in the face of climate change.