Whereas River Nyamwamba in Western Uganda is well known for the destruction of property and loss of life whenever it overflows, the environmental effects are less known and could be more lethal
The mining and processing of copper in Kilembe, Western Uganda, from 1956 to 1982 left over 15Metric Tonnes of tailings containing cupriferous and cobaltiferous pyrite dumped within a mountain river valley. In addition, underground Kilembe mine water is pumped to the land surface or allowed to flow by gravity into surrounding agricultural soils and water bodies. The study was conducted in Kilembe mine, Kasese district to assess the impact of Kilembe mine and the wastes (tailings) on soil quality, water quality, foods frown, forage and local people exposure. The samples collected included soil, water, foods, forage, sediments and toe nails from local volunteers.
Sample analysis was conducted from the school of biosciences, Nottingham University, UK. The study found high levels of metal concentration especially copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, arsenic and lead in agricultural soils, public water sources, house dusts and sediments in water. Aluminium and Iron metals were more abundant in public water sources. The metals were not only originating from mine tailings but also underground Kilembe mine water. The leachate water at Kilembe mine also contain large amounts of metals especially copper, iron and aluminium.
The foods and forage grown contained significantly higher concentrations of copper, cobalt, zinc, possibly taken up during growth and accumulated in the foods which could lead to consumption of the same elements by local people. Indeed, tests on human toe nails from Kilembe area volunteers confirmed that local people were more exposed to the mine metals especially copper, cobalt and nickel. Children were more exposed than adults.
It is on this note that the following policy recommendations are made;
1. There is need for enforcement of proper waste storage and disposal protocols 2. Local people living in contaminated environments should be sensitized on the dangers so that they make informed decisions 3. There is need for construction of a containment all around Kilembe tailing sites and land filling with soil so as to prevent erosion of tailings into agricultural soils and water 4. There is urgent need to treat Kilembe mine underground water before it is discharged into River Nyamwamba 5. There is need to implement remediation activities for soils along River Nyamwamba and below tailings
Summary of findings
Water quality Over 25 % of domestic water samples collected and 40% of River Nyamwamba waters along the mine area and downstream exhibited Cobalt concentrations exceeding the Wisconsin (USA) drinking water thresholds of 40 μgL-1. Almost all water samples upstream of River Nyamwamba exceeded UK recommended Iron and Aluminium concentrations in drinking water. Most domestic water samples (67%) exceeded recommended drinking water thresholds for Aluminium, Iron and Cobalt.
Forage Elevated concentrations of Iron, Cobalt, Copper, Zinc and Lead were found in forage grasses collected along the mine area and downstream. The high levels of metal in forage could affect the health of animals and will also be reflected in the milk and beef produced in Kilembe area exposing consumers to metals.
Human exposure Trace elements concentrations (mg kg-1 dw) were found in toe nails of 15 adults and 12 children from the Kilembe copper mining district in Western Uganda. Control samples were from 5 children aged 9-14 years and 5 adults aged 20-60years. The toe nails clearly confirmed exposure of the local people with children being more exposed and affected than adults.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.
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The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.