Residents in Hoima City have expressed concern and frustration over a piggery project belonging to a local tycoon, which has been discharging waste into Kahogoma River, the primary water source for over 400 households. The piggery project, with more than 1,000 pigs, was established two years ago near the water source, leading to the pollution of the river.
The Kahogoma River, located in Katuugo Cell, Kasingo Ward, Hoima West Division, is relied upon by residents from Kibati I, Kibati II, Katuugo, and Mpaija villages for their daily water needs, including drinking, cooking, and other domestic uses. Godfrey Galimaka, a local businessman, is being accused by residents of establishing the piggery project near their water source and allowing waste from the pigs to contaminate the river.
Concerned residents have reported an increase in waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid, due to the polluted water from the piggery project. Mary Gorret Nakarumba, a resident of Kibati Cell, emphasized that the Kahogoma River is their only water source and expressed grave concerns for their well-being, as waste from the piggery project continues to be discharged into the water.
Ramadhan Byonta, the Chairperson of Katuugo Local Council (LCI), highlighted the severity of the issue, pointing out that the contaminated water poses significant health risks to the community, as it is used for various purposes. Byonta urgently called upon city authorities to intervene and halt the contamination of their sole water source by the piggery project.
Byonta further revealed that in the past two years, more than ten people in their village have succumbed to mysterious diseases, which they suspect to be linked to the consumption of contaminated water.
Another resident, John Kihyaka, demanded immediate action from the City Council Authorities, urging them to arrest the proprietor of the piggery project and his workers until they produce an environmental impact assessment report. Kihyaka insisted that the report should outline effective measures for rearing pigs in the area without causing harm to the environment.
He noted instances of maggots floating on the water, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution as the contaminated water continues to be used for drinking and cooking.
Godfrey Basandara, the Parish Chief for Kasingo Ward, expressed deep concern for the residents’ well-being and questioned the city authorities for allowing the establishment of the piggery project near the water source without a proper environmental impact assessment report. Basandara stressed that it is unsafe for people to consume water contaminated by the piggery project and called for immediate action to rectify the situation.
Responding to the situation, Ronald Kyamanywa, the Hoima City Environment Officer, confirmed that the proprietor of the piggery project did not consult the authorities before establishing the project near the water source. He assured the public that they are engaging with the proprietor to develop better waste management strategies for the piggery project.
In his defense, Galimaka acknowledged the challenges raised by the residents and stated that he is in consultation with local authorities to address the matter. He assured the community that he has instructed his workers to implement proper waste management practices and put an end to the contamination of the water source.