Students of Mountains of the Moon University on 1st March 2025 took part in cleaning Fort Portal City in the “Save River Mpanga Drive”.
According to Ms Ninsiima Restetuta a Lecturer of Tourism in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental sciences, it was eminent for students to take part in practical actions of environmental conservation in Fort Portal City in order for them to enhance their practical skills.
“We are promoting transformative and innovative Learning among students, this involves having students that are not only good in theory but practical as well,” she explained.
According to Dr. Brian Guma the Team Leader Albert Water Management Zone, the Ministry of Water and Environment is concerned about conservation and preservation of River Mpanga which is a major source of water in Fort Portal Tourism.
Dr. Guma says despite River Mpanga being the major source of water in Fort Portal City, residents have continued to indulge in polluting the River with activities like car washing, dumping polyethene bags adjacent to the River and many more activities that are harmful to the environment.
He says that is the reason as to why the Ministry of Water and Environment is promoting the “Save River Mpanga Drive” is promote responsive use of the River among the natives of Fort Portal City so as to ensure conservation.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire said that the Kingdom is eager to revive the Glory of Tooro of having Fort Portal as the cleanest Town in Uganda.
“We have grown up knowing Fort Portal as the Cleanest Town in this Country, but we are concerned about the rate at which this cleanness is deteriorating. I urge all people of Tooro to keep a keen eye on cleanness in our City,” he said.
The Resident City Commissioner Fort Portal Mr. Stanley Bayole warned residents of Fort Portal against polluting the environment. He said the authority will not hesitate from arresting whoever will be involved in polluting in the environment.
(Story by Dorcus Murungi)
