Lake Bunyonyi Faces Existential Threat from Siltation and Pollution, Stakeholders Warn

Southwestern Uganda’s picturesque Lake Bunyonyi is under severe threat from escalating siltation and pollution, prompting a unified call for immediate conservation action from stakeholders. Environmental experts, government officials, and district leaders convened recently to address the growing crisis, warning that the lake’s ecosystem, depth, and size could be drastically altered if current degradation trends continue.

Key drivers identified during a workshop in Kabale include poor waste management, uncontrolled soil erosion from surrounding areas, and the continuous accumulation of sediments. Lillian Idrakua, Commissioner for Water Quality Management, highlighted that sediment deposition is already reducing the lake’s surface area and altering its underwater contours. She stressed that protecting this vital water body requires a collaborative effort, involving not just central government agencies but also local authorities, tourism operators, and host communities.

Dr. John Peter Obubu, Assistant Commissioner in the Ministry of Water and Environment, pointed to heavy rainfall exacerbating the impact of unmanaged waste. “There is need for proper waste management and protection of the lake’s catchment area to minimise pollution and safeguard the resource and surrounding area,” he stated.

The deteriorating water quality is also impacting essential services. Patrick Otim, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) manager for Kabale, noted that increased suspended solids and fecal contamination are creating significant challenges for water treatment plants, jeopardizing the supply of safe drinking water.

Concerns were also raised about the environmental practices of expanding tourism facilities along the shoreline. Local natural resources officers questioned the wastewater disposal methods of hotels and cottages, urging operators to integrate environmental protection into their business models. To combat these threats, participants recommended improved public sanitation, regular water quality testing, strict protection of shoreline buffer zones, and robust enforcement of environmental regulations. The call is for immediate, coordinated action to preserve Lake Bunyonyi for future generations.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)