Ruhezamyenda Catchment Management Plan

Client: Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM)

Location: Kabale & Kisoro Districts, Uganda

The Challenge

Ruhezamyenda is a highland catchment (mountainous terrain, high rainfall) facing water scarcity, erosion, landslides, and livelihood stress. Rapid population growth, agricultural expansion into steep slopes, and limited water storage capacity threaten dry-season water security. Strategic highland-specific management needed.

Our Role

Earth Partners delivered participatory catchment management planning combining hydrological science with community priorities.

What We Delivered

• Catchment Situation Report: Baseline biophysical and socio-economic conditions

• Water Resources Assessment: Hydrological modeling for highland terrain; seasonal flow variability

• Biodiversity & Vegetation Survey: Alpine and forest ecosystem assessment; biodiversity hotspots

• Strategic Social and Environmental Assessment: Evaluation of adaptation options (water harvesting, erosion control, livelihood diversification)

• Stakeholder Consultations Report: District and community priorities documented

• Social and Environmental Management Plan: Implementation timeline and capacity needs

• Catchment Management Plan: 5-year strategic roadmap with costed investments

• Monitoring & Evaluation Framework: Community-based monitoring system operational

Key Results

✓ Highland Water Security Strategy Adopted by District

✓ 12+ Water Harvesting Schemes Designed (prefeasibility)

✓ Erosion Control Program Framework Established

✓ Community Monitoring Teams Trained