MBARARA
Hundreds of participants converged this morning at the Golf Course Grounds in Mbarara City for the fourth edition of the River Rwizi Run, held under the theme “Echoes of Rwizi: A Race for Revival.”
The annual event, aimed at raising awareness and galvanizing support for the conservation of River Rwizi, brought together stakeholders from government institutions, corporate entities, civil society organizations and the local community.
Steven Emor, Team Leader of the Victoria Water Management Zone under the Ministry of Water and Environment, observed a gradual increase in the river’s water levels since the marathons began four years ago. He commended the initiative’s positive impact and called on private sector players to further support efforts to restore the ecological integrity and natural beauty of River Rwizi.
Emmanuel Njuki, Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead at Nile Breweries Limited, noted tangible improvements in the river’s restoration, citing better water quality and flow, especially along its banks. He stressed the importance of sustained partnerships in preserving the river’s health for future generations.
Ivan Tumuhimbise, Country Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Uganda, praised the run’s role in combating plastic pollution, emphasizing its power to raise public consciousness on environmental protection.
The day’s excitement was capped by the 21KM race, where Kamutwire Gilbert a police officer from Kabale claimed victory. He used the moment to urge communities along the riverbanks to avoid encroachment and take active responsibility in safeguarding this vital water source.
