Above : Photos showing water lilies and foam cover along papyrus stretch on lake Mburo
In early April 2025, a dedicated team of environmental scientists and conservationists embarked on a critical mission across the Isingiro and Kiruhura districts. Their goal: to assess the health of water systems within the Rwizi catchment and gather data that will shape future conservation efforts.
Over two days, the team visited ten strategic sampling sites, collecting water samples to analyze sediment levels and nutrient concentrations. These insights are vital for understanding the ecological balance of the region and evaluating the effectiveness of current conservation mechanisms.
Precision in Practice
Left, Right: Photos taken while using the helley and smith Sediment sampler at LM4
Using advanced equipment like the Hanna multi-parameter device, the team measured key physical parameters—temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH. Chemical analyses focused on nitrites, nitrates, ammonia, phosphates, silicates, and dissolved organic carbon. Water velocity was also recorded at critical points along River Rwizi, providing a dynamic picture of flow patterns before the river joins Lake Mburo.
Sediment sampling was conducted using the Helley Smith handheld bed load sampler, capturing suspended particles to assess erosion and runoff impacts. Despite minor technical setbacks, including a missing Baro Diver at Lake Mburo, the team successfully downloaded data from three divers for further analysis.
A Glimpse into the Ecosystem
Left, right : Photos showing water sample collection and measurement
The fieldwork revealed diverse conditions across sampling sites. From foam-covered papyrus stretches to flourishing water lilies, the visual evidence underscored the complexity and richness of Uganda’s aquatic ecosystems. These observations, paired with rigorous data collection, offer a compelling narrative of both resilience and vulnerability.
Team Behind the Mission
Above are photos for the team behind the mission
