Semuliki River Faces Collapse as Erosion and Human Activity Escalate

Semuliki River

By Kajumba Gorret I Voice of Tooro

The Semuliki River, stretching 140 kilometers across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, is more than just a geographical feature - it is a lifeline for communities along its banks. Originating in the DRC and flowing into Uganda, the river weaves through the districts of Bundibugyo and Ntoroko, forming part of the international border and supporting life near the Semuliki National Park.

However, this vital waterway is under severe threat. Once pristine, its banks now bear the scars of erosion, pollution, and neglect.

Local residents like Muhereza Businge and Kabasinguzi Beatrice have long witnessed the river’s decline. They raised concerns about deforestation, poor farming practices, and unregulated cattle grazing - all of which have accelerated soil erosion and caused heavy sedimentation in the river. Their plea is simple but urgent: without intervention, the damage could become irreversible.

In response, district leaders have sounded the alarm, calling on the central government to take immediate steps to protect and restore the Semuliki River's banks.

Edson Rugumayo, the Youth Member of Parliament for Western Uganda and a native of Ntoroko district, warned that Uganda is slowly losing land to the DRC due to riverbank erosion. “The government must urgently construct embankments along critical sections of the river to prevent flooding and further loss of land,” he said. Rugumayo stressed that even a slight rise in water volume can lead to devastating floods in vulnerable areas.

Ntoroko District Chairperson, Mr. William Kasoro, echoed these concerns, noting that the river has shifted more than 200 meters inland from its original boundary. “This is happening under the government’s watch. There’s a need for strict enforcement to stop all harmful human activities along the riverbanks,” he said.

Clearly worn-out river banks seen on the Semuliki river

In 2017, the government conducted a survey aimed at constructing barriers to protect communities from flooding. However, that plan was never implemented. Now, Annah Mary Tumwine, the district Woman MP, is urging the government to revive the initiative. “We need lasting solutions like gabions, reforestation, and strict controls on riverbank activity,” she stated.

Environmental activist Mr. Chris Amanyire emphasized that the problem has grown beyond the capacity of local communities. “We need substantial government investment. In some areas where protective fences were installed, pastoralists tore them down to allow cattle access to the river,” he lamented.

According to Ntoroko District Environmental Officer Mr. Kamuhanda Herbert, hotspot areas have been identified and targeted for restoration. At the Kabimbiri site, for example, a 3-kilometer stretch was fenced and reforested, resulting in significant regeneration of vegetation.

“Thanks to support from the Ministry of Water and Environment under the LEAF II project, we’ve restored about 15 kilometers along the river,” Kamuhanda reported. “However, our goal is to restore at least 40 kilometers.”

He also mentioned that seven water troughs have been constructed away from the riverbanks to reduce cattle pressure on sensitive areas. Riverbank management committees have been formed to oversee the sustainability of these interventions.

Despite these efforts, limited resources remain a major obstacle. “The number of hotspots far exceeds available funding. We need more support from donors to scale up the restoration,” Kamuhanda said.

Key restoration sites so far include Kyapa, Haibale, Kayanja, Rukora, Kyangabukama, Kabimbiri, Kadingidi, and Kiranga.

Unfortunately, the consequences of inaction are becoming more severe. On August 19, 2024, heavy rains caused the Semuliki River to overflow, flooding large parts of Bweramule Sub-county. Displaced residents were forced to seek shelter in the villages of Kyobe, Kayanja II and III, and Rwamabale, alongside their livestock.

Mr. Martin Kibaba, the Executive Director of the Rwenzori Media Development Foundation (RMDF - Uganda), emphasized that the crisis facing the Semuliki River is not just an environmental concern, but a humanitarian one. “Without urgent and sustained action, communities will continue to suffer the consequences of our failure to protect this vital natural resource,” he said.

He noted that RMDF is actively engaging journalists and local communities across the Rwenzori region to step up efforts in environmental protection and climate crisis reporting. “Through media, we aim to raise awareness, influence policy, and mobilize action to save ecosystems like the Semuliki River before it’s too late,” he added.