Shadow minister criticises govt over pollution crisis in Lake Bunyonyi
KAMPALA, September 16, 2025 — Legislators have called for urgent and robust measures to protect Lake Bunyonyi, following growing concerns over pollution.
The Shadow Minister for Water and Environment, Christine Kaaya, also the Woman Member of Parliament for Kiboga district, wants government to intervene quickly and the root causes of the lake’s degradation.
During a plenary session last Thursday, Kaaya responded to a ministerial statement from Aisha Sekindi, State Minister for Environment regarding alarming signs at the lake, including a brownish cloud, foul odour, oily film, and a white creamy substance on the surface. She described the government’s explanation as superficial.
“While we commend the ministry for finally acknowledging this crisis after weeks of public outcry, the government’s rapid assessment is shallow and reactive. It fails to address years of neglect and unregulated human activities that have pushed the lake to the brink,” Kaaya said.
She accused the government of downplaying the environmental impact of human activity, particularly mining, poor waste management, and weak regulatory enforcement.
“The minister attributes the brownish cloud and turbidity primarily to natural lake turnover triggered by rainfall and temperature fluctuations. While this process is common in many Ugandan lakes, it has been significantly worsened by human activities that the government has failed to regulate effectively,” she added.
Kaaya singled out iron ore mining in the Kigezi sub-region as a major threat to the lake’s ecosystem.
“Iron ore extraction in Kigezi has led to severe erosion, wetland destruction, and direct siltation into Lake Bunyonyi. This is a looming ecological disaster,” she warned.
She further criticised the measures proposed by the government, calling them vague, short-term, and inadequate.
“Actions such as regular assessments, community sensitisation, and treatment upgrades are welcome but insufficient and belated. Sensitisation without enforcement has proven ineffective,” Kaaya stated.
She proposed several alternative interventions, including: A halt on all mining and quarrying activities in the catchment area until comprehensive environmental audits are conducted; community-led restoration of wetlands and lake shorelines; investment in decentralised waste management systems; mandatory installation of waste treatment facilities for lakeside businesses; and stronger climate adaptation policies to protect Uganda’s major water bodies.
“The degradation of Lake Bunyonyi is symptomatic of broader environmental mismanagement under the current regime. By adopting these measures, we can restore the lake’s ecological balance, protect local livelihoods, and set a national precedent for responsible stewardship of our water resources,” Kaaya said.
She called on Parliament to prioritise the issue by initiating a select committee inquiry to hold the government accountable.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who presided over the session, directed the government to provide a comprehensive report on the state of the country’s water bodies.
“We need a thorough statement on all water bodies, not just Lake Bunyonyi. Fish are dying. We expect regular updates and a detailed action report,” she said.
Minister Sekindi, committed to delivering a detailed report by the end of the month.
“Madam Speaker, this requires thorough scientific research. It is not something we can produce within just one week,” she explained.
https://thecooperator.news/debate-on-l-bunyonyi-pollution-deferred/
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