Residents Demand Action Against Buhindagi River Pollution

Residents near River Buhindagi in Mahyoro Town Council, Kitagwenda district are unhappy with local officials for reportedly tolerating significant water pollution caused by Chinese Gold mine enterprises in Kitomi hamlet.

The river, which flows through nine villages—Kazomi, Kitonzi, Kachindo, Karokarungi, Buhindagi, Omukarere, Kyendangara, Bwetuuma, and Zambia—supplies water to about 2,000 households in the Buhweju district, Ibanda District, and Kitagwenda before emptying into Lake George.

Residents alerted the local officials in 2022 about the serious problems brought on by the gold mines' tainted water.

Residents Muzamuru Tuhamire bemoaned his dissatisfaction, telling the Nile Post that nothing has changed since they attempted to bring their complaints to the attention of the district administration.

``we tried to raise an alarm to our leaders but nothing has been done. The Chinese are still mining their gold untouchable’’, Tuhamire lamented.

Dominic Barigye, also blamed the district leaders for failing to forward their cries to higher authorities that would consider the matter as an emergency and provide a quick solution.

``We thought that our district leaders would forward this matter to higher offices for consideration at the floor of parliament but we are disappointed. They don’t deserve our votes in the forthcoming elections’’, He stated.

Kitagwenda District Natural Resources Officer, (DNRO), Moses Turyamureba Bujara revealed that his department attempted to intervene in the alleged water and soil pollution caused by gold mining. However, their efforts were thwarted when they were denied access to the mining site, which was heavily guarded by the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF).

``As the natural resources department, we did our best to engage these gold mining companies to assess the situation but we were denied access because the area was heavily guarded by UPDF’’, He responded.

Kitagwenda District Chairperson, Ismail Mushemeza refuted claims that the district authorities haven't taken action regarding the alleged water pollution. He says he personally intervened by reporting the issue to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, seeking urgent intervention, but is still waiting for a response.

``Its not true because I reported the matter to the Ministry of Energy and we are still waiting for their response’’, He explained.

Water pollution in Uganda is a serious issue that claims many lives. 70% of diseases treated in Uganda stem directly from a lack of clean water or poor sanitation and hygiene techniques, a staggering percentage that highlights the urgent need for access to clean water and improved sanitation.

The Ugandan government has taken steps to address the country's water crisis, with the goal of providing safe and clean water for all citizens by 2030. To achieve this goal, the government has established a National Water Policy, which aims to ensure sustainable provision of clean water and effective use of the nation's vital water resources.

Additionally, organizations like ``Water For People ‘’and ``Water Aid Uganda’’ are working closely with the government to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.