This archive report was first published on 30 October 2021.
Published on October 30, 2021, by Charles Onyango-Obbo.
Every month or so, we are reminded of the devastating impact of pollution on Lake Nalubaale, also known as Lake Victoria. The latest report from France24 highlights the dire situation, with the lake groaning under the weight of human waste, fertilizers, garbage, and plastic waste.
The tragedy of the commons is a stark reality in East Africa, where the governments of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania have failed to control pollution and protect the lake's ecosystem. The consequences are dire, with the lake's waters threatening the food and livelihoods of millions of people.
Isaac Okero, a former president of the Law Society of Kenya, has taken a bold step by suing the Ugandan government and other authorities for allegedly failing to control floods around the lake. Although the East African Court of Justice threw out the case, it has sparked a crucial conversation about the need for international laws to protect nature.
One possible solution is to establish international law that allows individuals to sue polluting companies in a world court. Another approach is to explore creative solutions, such as concessioning chunks of the lake to private operators or creating a unified, semi-autonomous territory to govern the lake.
However, there is also hope for a brighter future. A youthful NGO, Friends of Lake Victoria, is working with local communities to reduce pollution and restore the lake's ecosystem. Michelle Muchilwa, a member of the NGO, is optimistic about the lake's potential for recovery, saying,
