Parliament has directed the Ministry of Water and Environment to submit a comprehensive report and action plan within 14 days to tackle the escalating pollution crisis affecting the country’s water bodies.
The move aims to protect aquatic life and safeguard the livelihoods of communities that depend on these vital resources.
The directive follows concerns raised by the Shadow Minister for Water and Environment, Christine Kaaya, who criticised the government for failing to address the root causes of environmental degradation in Lake Bunyonyi, despite mounting pollution threats.
Kaaya dismissed the statement presented by the State Minister for Environment, Aisha Sekindi, regarding the lake’s pollution, characterised by a brownish cloud, foul odour, oily film, and white scum, as “inadequate and shallow.”
“While we commend the ministry for finally acknowledging this crisis after weeks of public outcry, the government’s rapid assessment is reactive and fails to address years of neglect that have allowed preventable human activities to push the lake to a tipping point,” Kaaya said.
She noted that while the ministry attributed the crisis to natural lake turnover triggered by rainfall and temperature fluctuations, the situation has been aggravated by poorly regulated human activities, including mining, waste mismanagement, and wetland destruction. Iron ore extraction in the Kigezi sub-region, Kaaya pointed out, has significantly contributed to erosion, siltation, and the destruction of critical ecosystems.
Kaaya described the government’s proposed measures, such as periodic assessments, community sensitisation, and treatment upgrades, as “short-term, unclear, and insufficient.”
She urged bolder interventions, including halting mining and quarrying in catchment areas until full environmental audits are conducted, restoring wetlands through community-led initiatives, investing in decentralised waste management, and requiring lakeside businesses to install wastewater treatment facilities.
“The degradation of Lake Bunyonyi is a symptom of broader environmental mismanagement under the current regime. By adopting these alternatives, we can restore the lake’s ecological integrity, safeguard livelihoods, and set a precedent for proactive stewardship across Uganda’s water systems,” she added.
Kyamuswa County MP Moses Kabuusu equally highlighted poor human waste disposal on islands as a driver of waterborne diseases such as cholera, bilharzia, and dysentery. He called on the ministry to design sustainable sanitation solutions, noting the challenges of constructing durable pit latrines on sandy soils around landing sites.
Bukimbiri County Eddie Kwezira Wa-Gahungu accused the Directorate of Water Development and the National Environment Management Authority of failing in their statutory duties to monitor and protect water bodies. “If you don’t check water bodies daily, yet you have scientists being paid to do that work, you are risking the lives of all Ugandans,” he warned.
The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is also demanding a detailed action report. “We need a comprehensive statement on all water bodies, and I will guide on what should be done. Remember, fish are dying. Give us regular updates on what is being done,” she instructed.
In response, Minister Sekindi pledged to present a report by the end of the month, emphasising that “thorough and scientific research” is essential before drawing firm conclusions.
Lake Bunyonyi, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of Africa’s deepest lakes, reaching depths of about 900 meters. Dubbed the “place of many little birds,” it boasts 29 islands, terraced hills, rich bird-life, and recreational activities including canoeing, zip-lining, and cultural tours.
Its reputation as a safe swimming destination, free from crocodiles, hippos, and bilharzia, has made it a jewel of Uganda’s tourism industry, now imperilled by unchecked environmental degradation.