Besides, the filth and oils from washing bays flow through open trenches and end up in Lake Victoria especially during runoffs after a heavy rain.
Dr Aryamanya Mugisha, the Nema executive director, says that the waste that finds its way to the lake usually contains toxic chemicals, metals and oils. This partly explains why there is a high concentration of metals in Lake Victoria. Studies show that there is a high concentration of phosphates in areas from where runoffs enter the lake.
The pollution load is so much that it chocks the water mass. Ultimately, this causes climate change and the accompanying adverse effects like drought - which is becoming a big problem in Uganda. For example, climate change is a reality in Teso region where drought has caused famine that has already killed more than 35 people.
According to a UN recent report, water levels on Lake Victoria started dropping considerably in 2002 and as a result the shoreline has retreated by more than 100 metres. The pollution deposited in Lake Victoria interferes with the breeding sites of fish and other aquatic life forms. This has led to the reduction of fish in the lake. The fisheries organisation says that pollution will soon be the leading cause of fish reduction in Lake Victoria.
According to the organisation, the lake is already experiencing unacceptable fish reduction, with Nile perch reducing by 23 per cent. Pollution from car garages and industries should be dealt with as well as overfishing in order to preserve fish in Lake Victoria.
Water in Lake Victoria is also in homes yet some of the chemicals and oils deposited in the lake are harmful to human health. By pouring toxic chemicals and oils in open trenches which end up flowing into the lake, through fish, the problem reaches human beings who eat the fish. However, much as contaminated you cook contaminated fish, it will still contain toxic chemicals that if consumed, causes diseases like lung cancer.
Nema should ensure that garages, washing bays and industries dispose their wastes properly if Lake Victoria is to be save. One of the ways is to ensure that effluent is disposed in deep wells. Alternatively, the wastes should be treated before disposal.

Sarah Akankwasa
Programme assistant,Africa Institute for Energy Governance
sakankwasa@afiego-ug.org