Residents of Luwero District are demanding urgent government intervention over Luwero Victoria Sugar pollution, which they say is endangering lives and destroying livelihoods. Communities around the factory report that thick smoke and ashy particles have contaminated water, ruined gardens, and triggered persistent health problems.
Community Outcry
Buule Kose Kizito, LC1 chairman of Yandwe village, described the impact of soot and smoke from the factory: “The factory releases thick smoke that spreads across our homes. Many residents are coughing and suffering flu-like symptoms. Government must compel these factories to protect the people.”
Local farmer Robert Seru explained that even simple tasks like drying clothes or collecting rainwater have become impossible. “When you hang clothes outside, they get covered in black dust. The same particles settle on iron sheets used for rainwater, leaving it unsafe to drink,” he said.
Butuntumula Sub-County Councillor, Isaac Wampamba, confirmed widespread complaints from more than nine villages including Ndibulungi, Kakabala, and Nnalongo. He warned that some families are abandoning their homes due to worsening health risks and environmental degradation.
Health and Environmental Impact
Residents say soot has contaminated food and water, leaving vegetables and fruits unsafe. Shopkeeper Rehema Nantongo added: “The black particles fall in our gardens, and even animals that eat the grass fall sick. We fear this smoke is dangerous to our health.”
Uganda already faces a rising cancer burden, with the Uganda Cancer Institute reporting about 33,000 new cases annually. Experts warn that industrial emissions such as those from Victoria Sugar contribute to respiratory illnesses, asthma, and lung cancer. A Makerere University study in 2023 also found higher rates of chronic cough and asthma among residents living near industrial zones compared to rural communities.
NEMA Response
National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah confirmed the issue was under investigation. “We shall send inspectors to find out about this latest complaint of particles,” he said, noting that the authority had previously probed the factory for water pollution.
Call for Action
Locals are demanding independent air and water quality tests, stricter pollution controls, and accountability from factory operators. “Our health and environment are at stake,” Kizito warned. “The government must act now to ensure factories operate responsibly and do not endanger entire communities.”
The crisis caused by Luwero Victoria Sugar pollution reflects Uganda’s broader struggle with unchecked industrial emissions. While factories play a role in economic growth, residents argue that development cannot come at the expense of public health and environmental safety. With mounting pressure from communities and health experts, the government faces a decisive moment to enforce accountability and protect citizens from preventable harm.
