The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Regional Centre – South West, in partnership with key stakeholders, successfully held the 5th Edition of the Rwizi Run in Mbarara City.
The run was organised as a post-event activity of the Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK), under the theme: “Stakeholders Championing the Restoration of River Rwizi.”
The event aimed to raise awareness about the critical challenges facing River Rwizi, including encroachment, pollution and siltation, while mobilising communities and stakeholders to take action towards the conservation and restoration of the river.
The event attracted participants from Kampala, Fort Portal City, Isingiro, Ibanda, Mbale City, Kapchorwa, Mbarara City and other parts of the country. Participants competed in the 5km, 10km and 21km races, with winners in the different categories receiving cash prizes and other awards.
The Chief Runner, Ms. Catherine Nasuuna, flagged off the 5km race and emphasised the responsibility of every member of the community in conserving River Rwizi and ensuring that it continues to provide benefits to present and future generations.
The 10km race was flagged off by the Country Director, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda, Mr. Ivan Tumuhimbise, while the 21km race was flagged off by the Member of Parliament for Kashari East, Hon. J.B. Tumusiime Bamuturaki.
The successful event was supported by several partners, including Coca-Cola, Lato Milk, Nile Breweries, WWF Uganda, Tayari West TV, Bishop Stuart University, Abahumuza Development Group, International Crane Foundation, National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and the Water Resources Institute (WRI), which organises UWEWK on behalf of the Ministry of Water and Environment.
The event was also attended by the Director, Water Resources Management; Assistant Commissioner, Water Resources Planning and Regulations Department; Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Mbarara City South; Mayor of Mbarara City, Hon. Robert Kakyebezi, among other dignitaries and stakeholders.
The Rwizi Run continues to provide an important platform for bringing communities, institutions and partners together to promote awareness and collective action towards the protection and restoration of River Rwizi, a vital water resource supporting livelihoods and ecosystems in the region.