Bamboo Trees to Be Planted Along Pager River to Conserve the Environment

17 November 2025, 2:44 pm

By Otim Moses

The State Minister for Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, has announced plans to plant bamboo trees along the Pager River bank in Kitgum Municipality as a strategy to conserve and protect the environment.

Hon. Anywar said she is working closely with the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Water and Environment to ensure bamboo is planted along the river bank to stop activities that degrade the area. She noted that some people have been misusing the river bank for activities such as growing vegetables and other forms of green business that put pressure on the ecosystem.

The minister further expressed concern over the increasing pollution along the Pager River bank, where some residents dump waste products directly into the water, causing contamination and environmental destruction. She assured residents that the government is committed to restoring and beautifying the river bank, adding that she will “use all available means” to secure the necessary funding, although she did not specify the source.

Hon. Anywar also highlighted the economic and social value of bamboo trees, saying they can be used for furniture production, recreation centers, and nursery beds. She emphasized that the main goal is to protect and restore the Pager River ecosystem while making the river bank attractive and environmentally friendly.

Kitgum Municipal Natural Resources Officer, Ms. Achola Irene Oringa, revealed that the municipality has ongoing programmes under the Natural Resources, Environment, Climate Change and Land Management department aimed at beautification and tree planting along the Pager River buffer zone, roundabouts, and other designated areas. She said the municipality has allocated UGX 6 million for these activities.

Additionally, the municipality plans to invest UGX 50 million in developing and constructing a modern landfill and UGX 20 million for building a composting unit.

Ms. Irene added that the municipality planted and is maintaining 1,000 trees, and they have developed an environmental plan for FY2025/2026. They are hopeful to plant an additional 5,000 trees in FY2026/2027.

She explained that the overall objective of the Natural Resources, Environment, Climate and Land Management department is to increase forest, tree, and wetland coverage; restore bare hills; and protect mountainous and rangeland areas through focused restoration, planting, afforestation, and environmental stewardship. The goal is to maintain a clean, healthy, and productive environment while reducing climate change vulnerability and carbon emissions.