Summary:
- Located in Kabale and Rubanda Districts, the lake is under threat due to the unchecked dumping of waste by hotels and other establishments lacking proper waste management systems.
KABALE: Stakeholders in environmental conservation in Kigezi sub region have raised alarm over the increasing pollution of Lake Bunyonyi, a renowned tourist destination now facing an environmental crisis.
Located in Kabale and Rubanda Districts, the lake is under threat due to the unchecked dumping of waste by hotels and other establishments lacking proper waste management systems. This situation has sparked concern among environmentalists, community leaders, and policymakers, who are now joining forces to address the issue.
The concerns came to light during the second multi-stakeholder meeting organized by Self Help Africa, a non-governmental organization focusing on natural resource management and pollution. Held at White Horse Inn in Kabale, the meeting aimed to guide hoteliers on sustainable practices for using the lake, curb harmful activities such as washing in the lake, and promote better waste management.
It brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and local communities to foster dialogue and innovative solutions for managing the region’s natural resources.
Milton Kwesiga, Chairman of the Academia and Research Technical Working Group on Lake Bunyonyi Protection, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the lake. He highlighted waste dumping by hotels and local communities as a primary cause of pollution.
Kwesiga urged policymakers to enforce regulations to prevent further damage to the lake, which is not only an international tourist attraction but also a critical water source for surrounding districts.
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Evas Asiimwe, Senior Environmental Officer for Kabale District, confirmed the severity of the pollution and revealed that many hotels discharge sewage directly into the lake. This practice, she said, endangers public health and the environment.
Asiimwe urged hoteliers and stakeholders to adopt eco-friendly waste management solutions, such as biodigester toilet systems, to ensure safe waste disposal. She also pledged to collaborate with the district government to safeguard the lake’s future.
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Nafutali Mugizi, Project Manager at Self Help Africa, emphasized the importance of collective efforts to tackle environmental challenges. He noted that bringing together diverse stakeholders is key to developing sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.
Martin Turyagyenda, Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Rubanda District, called for increased community involvement in identifying and mitigating key sources of pollution. He encouraged organizers to expand outreach efforts to ensure active participation from all stakeholders, including local residents, in conservation initiatives.
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The ongoing initiative, titled “Building Sustainable Landscapes and Resilient Livelihoods,” is being implemented in Kabale and Rubanda Districts. Funded by Irish Aid, the project began in 2023 and will run until December 2027, focusing on long-term environmental conservation and livelihood resilience.
