BY MATHIUS KAHUNGU
South Rwenzori Diocese has today rolled out the supply of beehives to the communities with an aim of mitigating swamp drainage and protecting the buffer zones of rivers streaming from the Rwenzori Mountains.
The exercise took place today afternoon at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kasese town and was presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku.
Addressing the press shortly after commissioning the project and handing over the 240 beehives to Maliba Archdeaconry, Kibalya Parish and Misika Church of Uganda in Kogere Parish, Bishop Baluku noted that the supply of beehives was in fulfillment of Objective Number Five of the 10-year- Diocesan Strategic Development Plan.
According to him, the objective is centred on environment protection including reversing the damaged buffer zones of rivers and drained wetlands.
The Prelate also revealed that the project would also act as an alternative source of income to the people cultivating in swampy areas and along the river banks in an attempt to maintain the ecosystems of the Rwenzori Mountains that contribute to the source of River Nile and Lake Victoria.
He, however, cautioned the public against the unnecessary burning of bushes and using toxic herbicides and pesticides that would kill the bees and also asked the beneficiaries to put the beehives to a roper use.
Ven. Manasi Takwenda, the Maliba Archdeacon who was among the beneficiaries commended the Bishop for the initiative and asked the Christians to welcome the project.
Ms. Eunice Sunday Mutooro, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union Worker and the Diocesan Secretary, the Rev. Can. Nelson Walina disclosed beekeeping and honey production would enhance the nutrition and health of the people.
ENDS