Kampala: Leaders of the fishing community around Lake Albert in Uganda have raised concerns about the alarming levels of pollution affecting the lake, warning that without immediate intervention, the livelihoods of future generations are at risk. The community, alongside the United Nations, has reported a decline in freshwater species due to pollution and environmental degradation, with surface water bodies disappearing or becoming increasingly polluted, affecting millions of people.
According to African Press Organization, Solomon Wamara, chairperson for fishers on Lake Albert, highlighted the urgency of addressing the pollution crisis, particularly plastic waste, during the World Lake Day celebrations on 27 August. Wamara emphasized the detrimental impact of plastic waste on fish breeding grounds, which threatens food security for communities reliant on the lake. He noted that waste from agricultural activities and improper disposal practices further exacerbate the pollution problem, as rivers like Wambaya, Waki, and Nguse carry contaminants into the lake.
Wamara called for a shift in societal responsibility, urging local communities to cease waste dumping and actively participate in environmental sanitation efforts. He advocated for expanding cleanliness campaigns and called on authorities to support traditional fishers in sustainable practices rather than imposing burdensome taxes.
Godwin Angalia, Kikuube district commissioner and former fisher, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of lakes to local economies and citizens' lives. He acknowledged the government's efforts to combat pollution and protect vital water sources, including the Bugoma Forest and rivers feeding into Lake Albert. Angalia encouraged community involvement in fisheries management through indigenous committees, emphasizing the role of fishers in maintaining the lake's resources responsibly.
As human activities intensify, so does the pressure on Lake Albert's ecosystem. The need for a collaborative approach involving both government and community initiatives is crucial for the lake's preservation. Wamara concluded by stressing that protecting Lake Albert is essential for sustaining the livelihoods and future of the communities dependent on it.