Residents Raise Alarm Over Sewage Pollution in Luweero-Nakasongola Wetland

What the report says

Residents living around Lubenge Wetland on the Luweero-Nakasongola border have raised concerns over alleged sewage and industrial pollution affecting water sources, livestock and aquatic life. According to Nile Post, communities say the wetland has turned dark, the smell is overpowering, and some animals that drink from the water have died. They also fear the pollution may be linked to unexplained illnesses in nearby villages.

The article says the pollution is being blamed on a faecal sludge treatment plant built by the Ministry of Water and Environment and commissioned in 2020, as well as nearby factories operating in the area. Residents alleged that industrial waste was processed at the plant and that the facility was not designed to handle that kind of load. The report names Victoria Sugar and PRO Industries among the firms residents believe were involved, though it notes that workers at the plant later ended the arrangement after realizing the system could not cope.

Local leaders and officials have begun responding. Nakasongola Resident District Commissioner Festus Bandeeba convened an emergency meeting, while the district MP, Ivan Kyeyune, called for accountability and said operations could be suspended if pollution continues. Major General Charles Byanyima also criticized the lack of stronger action. The report adds that PRO Industries was fined in March by the National Environment Management Authority over waste discharge into the wetland. Residents are now seeking an investigation, restoration of the wetland and tighter control over wastewater treatment before discharge.