Gov't says still monitoring, investigating Lake Bunyonyi brown water, foul smell

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The Government says it is still monitoring and investigating the sudden change in colour and foul odour of Lake Bunyonyi, which has recently developed a brownish hue, an oily film, and white patches on its surface.

Water and environment state minister Aisha Sekindi briefed Parliament on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, on the causes of the phenomenon and the actions being taken to restore the lake’s ecological balance.

“As you are aware, over the last few weeks, Lake Bunyonyi’s waters have turned brown and started emitting a strong foul odour, with an oily film and white cream floating on the surface,” Sekindi said.

According to Sekindi, the ministry carried out a rapid assessment and identified several contributing factors:

Natural Lake Turnover: Lakes undergo natural water mixing, where deep, colder water rises and mixes with warmer surface water, increasing turbidity. Heavy rainfall and temperature fluctuations, common during Uganda’s wet and dry seasons, can intensify this process.

Runoff from surrounding areas: Lake Bunyonyi lies in a steep valley, making it prone to runoff from agricultural farms, settlements, and stone quarrying. Ongoing iron ore mining and degraded shorelines have also accelerated siltation, contributing to the brown colour.

Poor waste management: Markets, car-washing bays, and other establishments around the lake have been dumping waste into the water. This has led to declining water quality, low oxygen levels, foul smells, and the appearance of oily films and white residues.

Sediment mixing: Sediments that settled at the lake’s bottom, combined with incoming soil from runoff, have caused the water to turn brown. High levels of dissolved organic matter are contributing to the overall discoloration.

Measures being implemented

Sekindi outlined ongoing and planned interventions to restore the lake:

Regular Monitoring and Compliance: The Ministry continues to conduct assessments to enforce environmental regulations around the lake.

Community Sensitisation: Local communities are being educated on proper waste disposal and the dangers of farming near the lake, empowering them to act as stewards of the environment.

Water Treatment Improvements: The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is upgrading filtration and chlorination processes to ensure safe water supply.

Catchment Protection: The government will scale up soil erosion control, promote sustainable farming, establish bench terraces, construct water harvesting structures, and implement tree planting initiatives.

Alternative Livelihoods: Communities upstream will be offered alternative income sources to incentivise catchment protection.

Sanitation and Waste Management: Collaboration with local governments will ensure proper facilities at Harutindo Landing Center market to prevent direct waste discharge into the lake.

Sekindi assured Parliament that these measures will help restore the ecological balance of Lake Bunyonyi, safeguarding both aquatic life and the local community.

“We shall continue monitoring and conducting further scientific research on Lake Bunyonyi and provide a comprehensive report to Parliament in the near future,” Sekindi said.