By The Ministry of Water and Environment has launched urgent interventions to save Lake Bunyonyi after weeks of unusual pollution left the treasured tourism site brownish, foul-smelling, and coated with an oily film and white cream.
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The lake, situated between Kisoro and Rubanda districts, is renowned for its 29 islands and terraced hills and is one of Uganda’s most iconic ecological and tourism destinations. But in recent weeks, residents reported persistent brown water, a strong odour, and a decline in water quality — a situation that disrupted domestic water supply for thousands in Kabale and surrounding areas.
According to Water and Environment Ministerial findings, the crisis has been triggered by a combination of natural and human activities. Heavy rains caused sediments and decaying vegetation to mix with the lake’s waters, while soil erosion from surrounding farms, quarrying, and iron ore mining worsened siltation. Poor waste management from lakeside markets, hotels, and car washing bays further contributed to the foul smell and film observed on the surface.
Water tests revealed alarmingly low oxygen levels of 1.60mg/L, far below the recommended minimum for aquatic life. Such hypoxic conditions threaten fish survival and point to eutrophication — a dangerous state caused by excessive nutrient buildup.
National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) reported that the unusual colour change, rising to 130 Pt-Co against a normal rainy-season average of 80–100 Pt-Co, made water treatment more difficult. Although bacteriological standards were met, the discoloured water led many residents to shun the piped supply in favour of alternative, often unsafe, sources.
The ministry dismissed earlier speculation of volcanic activity at the lake’s bottom, noting that no tremors or turbulence were observed.
In the short term, the Ministry plans to step up enforcement of environmental regulations, map and protect the lake’s buffer zones, and conduct public awareness campaigns linking human activity to the lake’s health. NWSC is also upgrading its treatment technology to handle the higher turbidity levels.
Medium and long-term measures will include mandatory catchment protection, scaling up soil and water conservation, tree planting, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Authorities also pledged to work with local governments to improve sanitation facilities at Harutindo Landing Site and other busy points to curb direct waste disposal into the lake.
“The ecological balance of Lake Bunyonyi shall be restored, ensuring its sustainability for both aquatic life and the local community,” the Ministry stated. A detailed report on the ongoing investigations is expected by the end of September 2025.
