GIDEON TUMWESIGYE
Stakeholders from Rubanda and Kabale districts have accused hoteliers operating around Lake Bunyonyi of polluting the lake by improperly disposing of human waste.
These allegations were raised during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by Self-Help Africa in partnership with the African International Christian Ministries (AICM). The meeting took place today at the White Horse Inn in Kabale Municipality.
The gathering was attended by sub-county chiefs from areas surrounding Lake Bunyonyi, community development officers, district councilors representing the sub-counties near the lake, and farmers’ representatives, among others.
Milton Kwesiga, Chairperson of the Academia and Research on Lake Bunyonyi Protection Working Group, condemned the actions of hotel owners who are reportedly channeling human waste directly into the lake, a renowned tourist attraction.
Evas Asiimwe, the Kabale District Senior Environment Officer, emphasized the critical role of Lake Bunyonyi as a water source for the entire Kabale town. She expressed concern about hotels discharging waste into the lake and urged hotel owners to adopt bio-digester toilets as a sustainable solution to protect the water body.
Martin Turyagyenda, the Rubanda District Assistant Resident District Commissioner, called on the public to take responsibility for safeguarding Lake Bunyonyi. He encouraged residents to report any hotel owners who dump waste into the lake to the authorities.
