A team of environmental specialists from the Ministry of Water and Environment has linked heavy rainfall experienced in August last year and poor waste disposal to the recent discolouration of Lake Bunyonyi, amid growing concerns over the quality of water supplied to thousands of residents in southwestern Uganda.
Lake Bunyonyi experienced persistent discolouration last year, accompanied by a strong odour and surface scum, forcing some residents to seek alternative water sources.
Located between Rubanda and Kisoro districts in southwestern Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is one of the country’s iconic natural landmarks. With 29 islands and an average depth of 39 metres, the lake supports domestic water needs and tourism in the region.
Speaking during a dissemination workshop on Lake Bunyonyi held at Heras Hotel in Kabale Municipality on Thursday, the Assistant Commissioner in the Department of Water Quality Management, Dr John Peter Obubu, said the team had investigated several possible causes of the change in the lake’s colour.
Dr Obubu said the specialists examined different locations around the lake to establish what could have triggered the phenomenon, including the potential effects of human activities, climate change and volcanic activity.
He said the investigations also considered changes in temperature and other environmental factors but had not established evidence linking the discolouration to volcanic activity.
The team also examined the possible effects of heavy rainfall and poor waste disposal on the lake’s water quality.
According to Dr Obubu, heavy rainfall can wash waste and other pollutants from surrounding areas into water bodies, while improper waste disposal introduces substances that can compromise water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.
He emphasized the need for proper waste management and protection of the lake’s catchment area to minimize pollution and safeguard the resource for surrounding communities.
CUE IN DR OBUBU… ON FINDINGS… ENG//
The Commissioner for Water Quality Management, Lillian Idrakua, warned that Lake Bunyonyi could experience significant changes in its size and depth within the lifetime of the current generation if urgent measures were not taken to control siltation.
She said the lake’s surface area was already shrinking due to the accumulation of sediments, warning that failure to implement recommendations aimed at protecting it could worsen the situation.
CUE IN IDRAKUA… ON THE MATTER… ENG//
Patrick Otim, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation manager in charge of Kabale, said deteriorating raw water quality, unstable electricity supply and increasing demand were affecting the reliable provision of water in the area.
He cited increased suspended solids, faecal contamination and changes in water colour as some of the challenges affecting the corporation’s water treatment operations.
CUE IN OTIM… ON THE MATTER… ENG//
Meanwhile, the Kabale District Natural Resources Officer, Henry Tumwesigye Kamutooro, questioned hotel operators around Lake Bunyonyi about how they dispose of wastewater generated by their facilities.
His counterpart in Rubanda District, Jane Amumpeire, called for increased funding to support environmental conservation efforts.
She also urged owners of high-end hotels, cottages and other tourism facilities around the lake to actively participate in discussions and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment.
CUE IN KAMUTOORO & AMUMPEIRE… ON THE MATTER… RR.ENG//
Obed Mutatina Kitabutuka, the Kabale District LC5 councillor representing Bubaare Town Council in Rubanda District, called on political leaders to support environmental conservation initiatives to ensure the implementation of recommendations aimed at protecting Lake Bunyonyi and promoting sustainable environmental management.
CUE IN KITABUTUKA… ON THE MATTER… ENG//
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kabale District, Nelson Atwongyeire Black, called for the establishment of sustainable waste management systems to address pollution and protect the lake.
CUE IN ATWONGYEIRE… ON THE MATTER… ENG//
