The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has launched an investigation into allegations that the Victoria Sugar factory in Luwero district is polluting the environment.
The factory, located in Ndibulungi village, Butuntumula sub-county, is accused of discharging untreated wastewater into local wetlands and contaminating community water sources.
Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, the NEMA executive director, confirmed the probe and stated that the agency had received reports indicating that the factory releases waste onto community roads and into nearby water bodies.
“We received information that the factory discharges waste into the community roads and that there is sugarcane grown in the wetlands,” he said.
Additionally, local leaders allege that factory staff are defecating in the open due to a lack of toilet facilities, further exacerbating the environmental hazards.
“We also received information that community water is being polluted by factory workers who do not have toilets. So, we commissioned a team to verify all these issues and if found true, appropriate action will be taken,” Akankwasah added.
The pollution concerns have been raised by several leaders, including Isaac Wampamba, a district councillor representing Butuntumula sub-county. Wampamba claims that wastewater from Victoria Sugar is flowing into Lubenge wetland, a critical water catchment area for surrounding communities.
“The factory releases wastewater into Lubenge wetland, contaminating the water sources residents rely on for daily use. Efforts to engage the factory’s management on this issue have so far been unsuccessful,” Wampamba stated.
He also alleged that Victoria Sugar has been planting sugarcane in wetlands, further damaging the ecosystem.
The environmental impact has been severe, according to local leaders. Samuel Kiwanzi, chairperson of Kyamwinura local council, pointed out that waste from the factory is often dumped on community roads, eventually finding its way into water streams.
“This waste goes straight to the water streams used by the community. We seek the Government’s intervention,” Kiwanzi said.
Residents and local leaders also claim that the factory lacks a proper waste treatment plant, leading to the unchecked disposal of industrial waste into the environment.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the destruction of a dam system that once provided clean water to the community.
Attempts to get a response from Victoria Sugar’s official spokesperson, Esther Ayoko, were unsuccessful.
However, Lazarus Mawadri, a cashier at the factory, dismissed the allegations, saying he was unaware of recent complaints.
“I am just getting this complaint right now. I am really surprised to hear that people are complaining that we release our wastewater into their water bodies,” he said.
Mawadri acknowledged that similar concerns had been raised in the past and claimed that the factory had taken steps to address them following NEMA’s intervention.
“The NEMA people came here and told us what we were supposed to do, and we adjusted,” he added.
Despite these claims, NEMA’s head of communications, Naomi Karekaho, confirmed that the factory has faced compliance issues before and that the agency has been working with it to address environmental concerns.
However, with fresh allegations surfacing, NEMA’s latest investigation could determine whether Victoria Sugar has violated environmental regulations and what actions will be taken against it.
The outcome of NEMA’s probe will be critical in addressing the concerns of Luwero residents, who are demanding urgent action to prevent further pollution of their environment and water sources.
