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Policy Brief: The Impacts of Kilembe Mine and Tailing Sites on Soil and Water Quality, Foods, Forage and Humans

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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.

Please see Downloads for full policy brief.

A Documentary on the same can also be accessed at the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/gp1Bpk4LPmU

 

Article by Abraham R. Mwesigye (PhD), School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, Email: mwesigye[at]caes.mak.ac.ug

 

 

Mark Wamai

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Admission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates admitted under the Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2025/26 Academic Year.

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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Makerere Convocation to Host a CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit 2025

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Makerere University Convocation (MUC) CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, 8:00AM-12:00PM, Convocation Grounds. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Elvis Lubanga

Kampala, Uganda – Makerere University Convocation (MUC) is set to host the CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, bringing together a distinguished assembly of leaders and stakeholders.

The half-day summit will convene CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and explore investment opportunities that can unlock the potential of Uganda’s next generation of talent. Running under the theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event reflects Makerere University’s ambition to position itself as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and transformation.

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will officiate as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Peter Kimbowa, CEO of the CEO Summit Uganda, will deliver the keynote address. Their participation underscores the importance of the summit in strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and government, and in advancing Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, will welcome the invited participants and highlighted the university’s determination to work collaboratively with partners to shape impactful solutions for Uganda and the region.

“We want to work with you to see how, together, we can move our country and continent forward. I invited all of you CEOs to Makerere so that we can brainstorm on what we can do to transform our nation and Africa at large,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

According to Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Chief Convener of the summit and Vice Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation, this will be the first event of its kind. She noted that the summit seeks to foster mentorship, internships, and employment linkages as a means of bridging the gap between industry and academia, while positioning Convocation as a driver of socio-economic transformation.

A key highlight of the summit will be the unveiling of the Makerere University Convocation’s Massive Transformation Purpose, a bold framework that converts five critical takeaways into independent working teams with clear Terms of Reference, objectives, data-driven activities, and measurable outcomes. The plan institutionalizes vision, distributes ownership, and ensures sustainability through quarterly reporting, evidence-based impact, and global benchmarking. The five teams—From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower, Diaspora Dividend vs. Brain Drain, Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges, AI & Future of Learning, and From Convocation to Covenant—are designed to commercialize research, harness diaspora capital, institutionalize mentorship, drive digital transformation, and sustain alumni–faculty–student engagement through a covenant model. Collectively, they transform Convocation from a ceremonial event into a movement of accountability, innovation, and sustainable socio-economic impact for Uganda and Africa.

The summit has already attracted wide endorsement from leading companies and agencies, demonstrating its timeliness and relevance.

Mr. Eugene Too, General Manager at Haco Industries, affirmed the company’s support, stating:

“Haco Industries endorses the Makerere University CEOs Forum. We believe the Summit’s objectives align with our broader goals of creating impact in education, supporting internships, job placement, and mentorship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are proud to be associated with the Summit at Makerere University Convocation.”

Eng. Shaft Mukwaya, Secretary to the Equal Opportunities Commission of Uganda, commended the Convocation’s role in promoting inclusivity:

“Makerere University Convocation has proven to be a steadfast ally in achieving our mission of pursuing an inclusive society in which no one is left behind. We are honoured to be associated with this summit.”

Roofings Uganda has equally expressed strong endorsement, noting that the event aligns closely with their corporate vision:

“At Roofings, we are privileged to endorse the Makerere University Convocation CEOs/Investors’ Summit and call upon all invited guests to be part of this noble cause. Makerere University is a valued partner in nurturing talent and fostering innovation, which aligns closely with our vision of being an accelerator for a sustainable Africa. As sponsors, we are honoured to be associated with this summit that brings together leaders, investors, and visionaries to shape inclusive growth and development.”

With its broad stakeholder support, clear strategic framework, and focus on outcomes, the Makerere University Convocation’s CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit is positioned as a landmark event. It will provide a unique platform for academia, industry, and government to converge in pursuit of sustainable growth, innovation, and socio-economic development, not only for Uganda but for the entire Sub-Saharan African region.

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