By KT Reporter
Ministry of Water and Environment has attributed the recent discoloration and foul smell of Lake Bunyonyi to pollution and poor catchment management, following weeks of public concern over the lake’s sudden change in appearance and water quality.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry confirmed that the lake, renowned for its scenic beauty and tourism appeal, is experiencing serious ecological disturbance driven primarily by human activities around its catchment. Runoff from nearby farms, siltation from construction and mining, and poor waste management were cited as the main causes behind the lake’s brownish hue, foul odor, oily film, and unusual white scum.
For the past three weeks, residents have reported persistent discoloration, accompanied by a strong odor and surface scum. Typically, such changes after rainfall last only a few days, but this time the problem has persisted, forcing many to seek alternative water sources.
The Ministry noted that the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has faced increasing challenges in treating water from the lake due to high turbidity and colour levels. While the treated water meets bacterial safety standards, it has failed to meet acceptable colour levels, leading to public distrust.
Field investigations revealed alarming trends: Dissolved Oxygen levels were critically low at 1.60 mg/L, posing a risk of fish kills. Turbidity averaged 16.75 NTU, with some areas reaching 32 NTU, while colour measurements spiked to 130 PtCo, above the typical 30–100 PtCo range. The lake’s Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) also indicate organic pollution, likely from decaying vegetation and wastewater.
The Ministry dismissed earlier speculations that volcanic activity was responsible, noting no seismic activity, tremors, or flooding in the area. Pollution sources identified include uncontrolled runoff from surrounding hills exacerbated by steep slopes, bare soils, and deforestation; stone quarrying and iron ore mining within the catchment; poor sanitation at Harutindo Landing Centre market; and possible waste discharge from some of the 46 hotels along the lake’s shoreline.
To restore Lake Bunyonyi’s ecological balance, the Ministry outlined short-, medium-, and long-term interventions, including environmental compliance assessments for local businesses, stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, public awareness campaigns on sustainable lake management, and upgrading NWSC water treatment technology. Medium-term measures, spanning one to five years, include demarcating and protecting shoreline buffer zones, implementing catchment protection measures such as tree planting and soil conservation, improving sanitation infrastructure at community hubs, and supporting alternative livelihoods for upstream communities.
The Ministry also pledged to release further findings by the end of September 2025 after ongoing investigations are concluded. Lake Bunyonyi, located in southwestern Uganda between Kisoro and Rubanda districts, is one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. With 29 islands and an average depth of 39 meters, it supports domestic water needs and tourism in the region.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
