Anywar calls for urgent action as rising Lake Kyoga and Kwania Water displace communities
Minister of State for Environment Beatrice Anywar told Parliament that immediate assistance is needed for affected communities as the government works on long-term solutions to address environmental degradation, contributing to increased vulnerability
The government has called for urgent intervention to support communities displaced by rising water levels around Lake Kyoga and Lake Kwania while intensifying efforts to restore and protect Uganda’s degraded water ecosystem
Minister of State for Environment Beatrice Anywar told Parliament that immediate assistance is needed for affected communities as the government works on long-term solutions to address environmental degradation, contributing to increased vulnerability.
“As government, there’s need to come and help the people who are displaced,” Anywar said.
Her remarks followed concerns raised over flooding around Lake Kyoga and Lake Kwania, where rising waters have affected settlements, disrupted livelihoods, and thrthreatened munities living near the lakes
Anywar warned that continued heavy rainfall could push water levels even higher, worsening the situation for people in vulnerable areas. However, she noted that the problem is not caused by rainfall alone.
The Minister attributed part of the challenge to siltation, cultivation along water banks, and destruction of wetlands and other natural ecosystems, which have reduced the ability of water bodies to manage excess water.
Government urged to support affected communities
Anywar said the government must provide immediate support to displaced residents while implementing measures aimed at preventing future disasters.
She emphasized that protecting water bodies and restoring degraded ecosystems must become a shared responsibility involving government, local leaders, and communities.
“The long-term is that even those who have not felt this must go into action on conserving the water banks, the water bodies,” she told Parliament.
She added that her ministry would engage communities affected by the rising waters to understand their challenges and identify appropriate interventions.
The Minister also proposed tree planting initiatives around vulnerable water banks to help reduce erosion and strengthen the resilience of affected ecosystems.
Balancing livelihoods and conservation
The flooding around Lake Kyoga and Lake Kwania has highlighted the challenge of balancing human settlement, economic activities, and environmental protection.
Many communities around the lakes depend on fishing, agriculture, and other water-related activities for survival. However, cultivation and settlements close to water banks have contributed to environmental degradation and increased exposure to flooding.
Anywar said conservation efforts must involve local communities to ensure that environmental protection does not undermine livelihoods but instead creates safer and more sustainable environments , climate change increases pressure
The Minister’s warning comes amid concerns over changing rainfall patterns and increasing episodes of flooding across Uganda.
Heavy rainfall can quickly raise water levels, especially in areas where wetlands, drainage channels, and natural water systems have been damaged by human activity.
Anywar urged communities across the country to begin protecting water bodies before they experience similar challenges.
She said government agencies, local governments, and communities must work together to restore wetlands, protect water banks, and improve resilience against future climate-related disasters.
For residents around Lake Kyoga and Lake Kwania, however, the immediate concern remains receiving support as they deal with the impact of rising waters on their homes and livelihoods.
Anywar stressed that Uganda must move beyond responding to floods after displacement occurs and instead focus on preventing environmental damage through conservation and sustainable management of water resources.
