Environmental Advocates Honor Late King Oyo at River Rwizi Conservation Run

The annual River Rwizi Run, an event dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing action for the restoration of the critically degraded River Rwizi catchment, became a poignant occasion for environmental advocates to commemorate the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Tooro.

Participants and environmentalists alike reflected on the late monarch’s legacy as a fervent champion for environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and the promotion of tourism. The declining water levels of River Rwizi have become a major concern, threatening both the ecosystems and communities reliant on this vital water source.

Ivan Tumuhimbise, the Country Director for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), spoke at the event, highlighting the progress made in restoring the fragile ecosystem. He noted that over 700 hectares of degraded land have been successfully restored and are regenerating across Mbarara, Rwampara, and Sheema districts. “This demonstrates that coordinated conservation efforts can yield massive natural recovery if sustained,” Tumuhimbise remarked, drawing inspiration from the late King’s advocacy.

He further eulogized King Oyo, describing his passing as a “sad moment” for Uganda and specifically for the Tooro Kingdom and all conservation stakeholders. Mbarara City Mayor, Robert Kakyebezi, echoed these sentiments, remembering the late King as a leader who actively promoted environmental conservation by encouraging tree planting and the protection of natural resources.

While praising the ongoing restoration efforts, local leaders emphasized the need for greater political will and unified action to protect South-Western Uganda’s primary water source. Mayor Kakyebezi expressed confidence in the current initiatives but criticized leaders who have remained indifferent to the river’s plight, stressing that saving River Rwizi requires collective leadership.

The event concluded with stakeholders pledging to uphold King Oyo’s environmental legacy by intensifying conservation and restoration activities around the River Rwizi catchment area.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/369686/environmentalists-eulogise-king-oyo-at-river-rwizi-run