Environmental Alarm at Lake Bunyonyi: Strange Color Change and Foul Odor Raise Concerns
Environmentalists and local residents are concerned about Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa, after observing a strange change in the lake’s color and a strong, foul odor.
Moses Kabagambe, a local guide at the lake, said residents were shocked when the water changed color last week to muddy brownish and it is still evidenced in Bwaama and punishment islands areas. Kabagambe added that people are also concerned about the foul odor and an “oily substance” in the lake, which they believe could endanger their lives.
A 75-year old Twisiime Yesu Zabenera, who operates a hotel near the lake at Harutinda and Kate Barigye, a resident of Kagasha Village in Kitoma Parish, appealed to the government to intervene since majority of the residents depend entirely on Lake Bunyonyi for their domestic water needs.
Simon Byamukama, the Executive Director of Let Us Save Uganda (LUSU), a Kigezi based non-government organization advocating for environment conservation, blamed the changes of the lake water to siltation and soil erosion.
The Kabale District Natural Resources Officer, Henry Tumwesigye told our reporter that they are not aware about the reason for Lake Bunyonyi’s color change.
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