By: Melanie Aanyu

Residents of eastern division in Tororo Municipality have launched a tree planting campaign to save Aturukuku wetland from degradation.

The wetland separates the municipality from Tororo South County and harbours Aturukuku River. It is also the main source of water for National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and the locals.

During the launch of the campaign at the weekend, Mr Joseph Otal, the village chairperson, said they are planting bamboo species on the river banks to conserve the environment.
Mr Otal said due to rampant degradation of the wetland, the river was also drying up.

Mr Micheal Opolot, another resident, said the water has also been polluted .

The residents are being supported by African Youth, Women Emancipation, Children and Community Alliance, a community-based organisation, to plant more than two million trees .

The Tororo municipality MP,  Mr Yeri Apollo Ofwono, pledged to support the initiative and asked locals to engage in fish farming, saying its environment friendly.