Sand mining threatens River Aswa ecosystem in Lira

31 August 2026, 8:36 pm

By Winnie Auma

The Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change has raised concern over extensive sand mining along River Aswa, warning that the activity is creating large pits that are disrupting water flow and threatening the river’s ecosystem.

The call follows a field assessment by the committee in Lira District, where MPs inspected areas affected by sand mining and other forms of environmental degradation on 26/07/2026.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Henry Bagiire Aggrey says poor environmental practices, particularly sand mining along riverbanks, are worsening flooding, soil erosion, and the destruction of ecosystems.

Bagiire cited the degradation of River Aswa, where extensive sand mining has left large pits that are interfering with water flow and threatening the river ecosystem.He says urgent action is needed to protect the environment and reduce the impact of climate change on communities.

The MP for Arua Central, Muzaid Kemis, has urged local leaders in Ogur Sub-county to take tougher action against vehicles transporting sand from mining sites.Kemis says stopping the transportation of sand would disrupt illegal activity and help protect communities whose lives and livelihoods are being threatened by environmental degradation.

The committee also commended the Lira District for promoting afforestation and protecting traditional tree species, urging other districts in the Lango sub-region to adopt similar initiatives.

However, the MPs criticised some of the climate action plans presented by local governments, saying they lacked adequate vulnerability assessments, clear evidence, and properly justified budgets.

The MPs also questioned targets contained in the plans, asking local officials to explain how activities and budgets had been determined.Beyond government intervention, the MPs called on communities and individuals to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment.They say climate change is already affecting households and communities through prolonged dry spells, drought, and flooding.

The committee says its field visit is not only intended to identify gaps but also to establish areas where local governments require additional support from the central government.Local officials were given until 2/09/2026 to submit an updated report incorporating the concerns raised during the field assessment.

The information will form part of the committee’s report to Parliament and is expected to guide discussions on funding and other measures to strengthen Uganda’s response to climate change.

Lira District Environmental Officer Walter Ocen says the district is working with development partners to provide alternative sources of livelihood for people involved in sand mining.Ocen says the initiative is intended to reduce pressure on the environment while helping affected communities earn a living through sustainable activities.

He says the district had set a target of demarcating ten kilometres of wetlands every quarter but has surpassed the target after covering about 25 kilometres.

Ocen adds that wetland encroachers have been warned against continued degradation, while the district is working with agencies and organisations, including NEMA, NEPA, and FAPAD, to strengthen environmental protection.