environment 15 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Experts Investigate Lake Bunyonyi's Discolored Waters Amid Pollution Concerns
Environmental specialists are conducting a three-day assessment of Lake Bunyonyi's water quality due to discoloration incidents and fears of pollution from human activities. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/water-experts-probe-lake-bunyonyi-discoloration-amid-growing-pollution-fears-5497632
Environmental experts from Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, alongside representatives from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), have launched a critical investigation into the increasingly discolored waters of Lake Bunyonyi.
The probe comes after a mysterious incident last August where the lake’s waters dramatically changed color, alarming residents, tourism operators, and local leaders. Preliminary findings have reportedly ruled out volcanic activity as the cause, despite the lake’s volcanic origins. Instead, initial investigations suggest that human activities surrounding the lake may be stressing the ecosystem.
Concerns are mounting over unchecked development, inadequate waste disposal, soil erosion, and mining activities in the areas bordering the lake. These factors are believed to be contributing to the degradation of this vital freshwater source and popular tourist destination. Environmental specialists have noted that many lakeside developers are failing to comply with regulations, including obtaining permits, conducting environmental audits, and respecting protected shoreline buffer zones.
Data indicates that degraded land within the lake’s catchment area is contributing significant amounts of soil to the water annually, raising alarms about sedimentation and biodiversity loss. The assessment team will also re-evaluate the lake’s ecological status and actual depth, as widelycirculated claims of it being Africa’s second-deepest lake are disputed.
Furthermore, the NWSC has received complaints about discolored tap water supplied to residents, particularly during morning hours. Local leaders have emphasized the urgent need to protect the lake, which serves as a primary water source for thousands, ensuring its quality for public health and water security. Potential contamination from mining runoff and poor waste management practices are also being examined. The outcomes of this assessment are expected to inform future conservation strategies and policy interventions for Lake Bunyonyi.