A wildfire has been burning through Rwakihirwa Wetland in Kabale District for more than a month, destroying vegetation and underground peat soil, with residents struggling to contain the blaze despite several attempts to extinguish it.
The fire has spread across several sections of the wetland in Kamuganguzi Sub-county, raising concerns about its impact on farming and grazing activities. Located along the Kabale–Katuna Road, Rwakihirwa Wetland is connected to River Kiruruma, a tributary of the Kagera River.
Residents suspect the fire started when a farmer left a cooking fire unattended while harvesting Irish potatoes about a month ago. Farmers often prepare meals in their gardens during the harvesting season, raising fears that one of the cooking fires may have triggered the blaze.
A survey by our reporter last week found smoke rising from the wetland. A follow-up visit on Wednesday found the fire still burning and spreading to other areas. Johnson Katsigazi, a resident of Kasheregyenyi in Kamuganguzi Sub-county, says prolonged dry conditions caused by delayed rains, coupled with strong winds, have made it difficult to contain the fire.Katsigazi says residents tried to extinguish the blaze using water pumps but failed. They later alerted district security and environment authorities for assistance.
Efforts by district authorities to put out the fire have also been unsuccessful. Andrew Twebaze, a resident of Nyakasharara Village in Kasheregyenyi Parish, says a police fire brigade truck was deployed to the wetland but could not reach the affected sections.
Twebaze says the wetland supports the cultivation of Irish potatoes, cabbages and maize, which are important to residents’ livelihoods. He adds that authorities advised residents to dig trenches to prevent the fire from spreading, but the blaze continues to burn.
The fire has also raised concerns about livestock grazing in the wetland, with some animals at risk of being caught in the flames. Michael Nkeijanazo, 64, and Joniva Twesigwomwe, residents of Rwamacumu Village in the same sub-county, say the situation has left them uncertain about how they will continue their agricultural activities.
Michael Muramira Kyakashari, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kabale, says district authorities are aware of the situation and have tasked the Natural Resources Office with investigating the cause of the fire and identifying possible ways to extinguish it. Kyakashari says the investigation will establish whether the blaze is an ordinary wildfire or could be linked to volcanic activity.
Henry Tumwesigye Kamutooro, the Kabale District Natural Resources Officer, says residents have been advised to dig deep trenches to prevent the fire from advancing. However, Tumwesigye declined to provide further details, saying he was in Kampala on official duty and did not have time for an extended interview-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
