SCOUL ''defies NEMA directive'' over waste disposal

By Michael Odeng

For ten years now, Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL) has reportedly failed to abide by the rules and regulations of NEMA – National Environment Management Authority – over its disposal of untreated sugarcane waste into River Musamya.

During a study tour of Mabira forest recently, the manager of Mabira Forest Eco-tourism Site, Judith Ahebwa said that despite NEMA’s directive, the factory continues to pollute the river, as well as Mabira forest.

“The factory has turned a deaf ear on NEMA’s orders of adhering to effluent discharge standards, “she observed.

During the tour which was organized by National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE), Ahebwa told delegates from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa that has failed to adhere to environmental guide lines.

One of NEMA’s regulations is that every trade or industry undertaking shall install at its premises anti-pollution technology for the treatment of waste emanating from such an establishment.

In addition, no owner or operator of a trade or industrial undertaking shall discharge or dispose of any waste in any state into the environment, unless the waste has been treated in a treatment facility and in a manner prescribed by the Authority in consultation with the relevant lead agency.

Ahebwa said the waste from the factory exceeds acceptable standards and was damaging plant and animal life because the river is used by local residents.

“SCOUL is not meeting its obligations in meeting the effluent discharge standards to ensure a good environment,” she said.
 

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Stinking discoloured water

She called upon NEMA to enforce the laws so as to ensure that Mehta Group pre-treats its water before discharging into surface water.

“The water is not fit for human consumption and communities should be sensitized about this.”

Residents who live near River Musamya say the pollution has affected their lives, the environment, and tourism at the Griffin Falls, and that it has left the water discoloured and with a stench.

On his part, Lukyamuzi Mutwalibi, the leader of Mabira Forest Integrated Community Organisation (Mafico) called on government to create jobs and sensitize people on how they can improve their earnings so as to reduce the alarming rate of deforestation.

“Government needs to sensitize and empower our residents on ways of getting jobs without cutting trees for making furniture,” he said.

Meanwhile, NAPE executive director Frank Muramuzi said had they formed a coalition with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to protect the forests and check the impact of mining on water bodies and cultural sites in Uganda.

Muramuzi urged Mabira forest residents to protect the indigenous vegetation and heritage trees, saying it plays a role in the health and prosperity of eco-systems, communities and natural resource-based industries.  

“Have you ever imagined an environment that is not green, full of waste and unclean? Preserve and protect our environment for the betterment of our country.”

The tour team also visited “Bugo” leopard forest in Mukono district, where the first Palace of Buganda’s first Kabaka (king) – Kintu – was located before it was destroyed by former Ugandan President Milton Obote.