By Mbabazi Faridah
Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, is facing a range of severe environmental challenges that threaten its survival and the well-being of millions who rely on it. Poor waste management, habitat destruction, and frequent flooding are among the most pressing issues, causing widespread damage to the lake’s ecosystem. Pollution from industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff is degrading water quality and endangering aquatic life.
In response to these growing threats, Fridays for Future Uganda, a leading youth movement advocating for climate justice, has taken significant action. In January 2024, the organisation launched the “Save Lake Victoria” campaign, focussing on protecting the lake’s waters and surrounding ecosystems. Their commitment includes combating poor waste management and stopping habitat destruction.
On August 21, 2024, Fridays for Future Uganda organized a key community meeting in Ggaba, a lakeside area, where local vendors, fish sellers, and residents discussed the main challenges threatening Lake Victoria. Issues such as settlement encroachment along the shoreline, wetland destruction, flooding, and improper waste disposal were highlighted as critical threats to the lake’s health. The discussion underscored the urgent need for sustainable practices and policies to preserve the lake and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
To tackle the major problem of poor waste management, Fridays for Future Uganda took action on September 6, 2024, by distributing dustbins to various departments within the Ggaba community. They organized community meetings to raise awareness about the dangers of dumping waste into the lake and emphasized the importance of environmental conservation.
Additionally, they reached out to community members living near the lake, including boda boda riders, educating them on the need to stop washing their bikes near the lake to prevent further pollution.
Fridays for Future Uganda has also expressed concerns about the proposed East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which poses additional dangers to Lake Victoria. This 1,445-kilometre pipeline could result in oil spills, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and further damage the lake. The organisation stresses that these threats could devastate the lake’s biodiversity and undermine the livelihoods of millions who depend on it.
Since 2019, rising water levels have submerged parts of Ggaba Market, displacing over 5,000 vendors and disrupting their livelihoods. The situation has been exacerbated by the blockage of the Bule Bule water channel, where waste is continuously dumped, creating a hazardous dumping ground. This accumulation of trash not only creates unpleasant smells but also attracts pests, posing serious health risks to the vendors and community members who rely on this market for their livelihoods.
The “Save Lake Victoria” campaign has already yielded positive results. Local leaders, such as Sabiiti Katulamu, the chairman of Ggaba Market, have praised the efforts of Fridays for Future Uganda for educating the community about the importance of waste management and conservation. Katulamu stated, “The initiatives by Fridays for Future Uganda are crucial for our community’s health and the lake’s future.
With ongoing community engagement, clean-up events, and efforts to pressure local authorities, Fridays for Future Uganda is making steady progress in protecting Lake Victoria. Their work highlights the necessity for collective action to safeguard this vital resource, which is crucial for the region’s environment and the survival of millions who depend on it. Fridays for Future Uganda continues to lead the charge, driving the fight to save Lake Victoria for future generations.