Once a shimmering symbol of Buganda's cultural pride, Kabaka’s Lake in Ndeeba, Lubaga Division, now teeters on the edge of environmental collapse.
The lake, admired for its beauty and heritage, is suffocating under layers of garbage, sewage, and unchecked human activity.
Environmental experts warn that without urgent intervention, the lake could be lost—posing serious health and ecological risks to surrounding communities.
“This lake is dying,” says Dr. Christine Betty Nagawa, an environmental chemist.
“Without quick and coordinated intervention, it will become a hazard.”
Kabaka’s Lake was excavated in the 1880s during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II, envisioned as a water channel linking to the palace of King Muteesa I.
It now battles pollution from sewage, runoff, and solid waste.
Soil erosion and dumping have altered its structure and reduced its volume.
Local residents, trying to survive, garden on parts of the lakebed and fish for small catches.
Car washing bays operate freely along its banks, drawing and releasing contaminated water.
“In some places, people have dumped soil into the lake to create land for washing bays,” said Mugagga Joseph Kanyike, a long-time resident.
“The lake used to be beautiful. But we, the community, are part of the problem.”
He also criticised leaders: “Buganda has abandoned this lake and allowed greed to take over.”
Nearby wetlands, once vital to the lake’s ecosystem, have been filled in for construction, further worsening the situation.
Official records show Shs28 million was spent on shoreline improvements in 2021, though little evidence of that remains.
The Buganda Kingdom has now pledged action.
“We recognize the neglect,” said Mr. Israel Kitooke, Minister of Information.
“We are preparing to launch a comprehensive masterplan to restore Kabaka’s Lake—for the benefit of Buganda and Uganda at large.”
But experts stress time is short.
“To revive it, we must educate the community, enforce laws, restore wetlands, and secure the lake,” said Dr. Nagawa.
“It’s not just about money—it’s about political will and consistent action.”
As the lake’s surface conceals a deepening crisis, the question remains: will promises lead to restoration—or will Kabaka’s Lake be remembered as a lost legacy?