Uganda’s NEMA investigates Victoria Sugar over environmental pollution allegations 

UGANDA – Uganda’s National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has launched an investigation into allegations that Victoria Sugar, a leading sugar manufacturer, is causing severe environmental degradation in Luwero District. 

The move follows pressure from residents of Ndibulungi village in Butuntumula Sub-County, who accuse the company of illegally cultivating sugarcane in wetlands and dumping untreated industrial waste, leading to widespread pollution.  

Locals claim these activities have contaminated water sources, posing serious health risks. 

“I have asked my team to visit the area and investigate,” NEMA Executive Director Akankwasah Barirega told ChimpReports. “If there is any pollution with evidence, we definitely shall investigate it and punish it like we always do.” 

Residents report that Victoria Sugar has cleared over 100 hectares of wetlands, particularly in the Lubenge swamp area along the Lubenge River, which historically spanned Nakasongola and Wakiso districts.  

Once crucial for groundwater recharge, flood control, and water purification, these wetlands have now been converted into sugarcane plantations. 

“Four years ago, this was all swamp,” said local councillor Isaac Wampamba.  

“Now, the entire area has been turned into sugarcane plantations. Our water sources—wells and dams—are polluted. People are fetching dirty water, and we fear the health effects, including cancer,” he added. 

Victoria Sugar’s proprietor, Dirip Patel, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the company operates within legal and environmental guidelines. 

Environmental experts warn that cultivating sugarcane in wetlands threatens biodiversity and increases vulnerability to drought and pollution.  

President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated that manufacturers should stay away from wetlands, emphasizing their role as natural buffers that prevent waterborne diseases and protect surrounding communities from contamination. 

Beyond wetland destruction, locals allege that Victoria Sugar improperly disposes of factory waste, dumping it on community roads and open grounds. 

“They bring trucks full of waste and dump it in the middle of our roads. The same waste flows into streams we use for drinking water,” said Samuel Kiwanzi, Kyamwinura Local Council 1 Chairman. 

Kiwanzi also raised concerns about poor sanitation at staff housing, alleging the absence of toilets, which he said leads to open defecation and further contamination of water bodies. 

Reports suggest that Victoria Sugar lacks a proper waste treatment facility, instead disposing of waste on Kaaya Farm, a privately acquired property. However, locals argue that pollution continues to spread into public spaces. 

Barirega assured that NEMA’s investigation would be evidence-driven. “Unless there is empirical evidence, don’t listen to words alone. If pollution is proven to be caused by the company, we will act accordingly,” he said. 

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