Plastic Pollution Endangers Lake Albert’s Fish, Food and Future Livelihoods in Uganda

Plastic bags and other debris are increasingly entering Lake Albert, where they interfere with fish breeding grounds and reduce the lake’s productivity. Solomon Wamara, chairperson for fishers on the lake, warned that without urgent action the pollution could jeopardise the food and income of future generations. The problem mirrors a broader UN report that notes more than a quarter of surface water bodies worldwide are becoming cloudier due to pollution, while 93.1 million people live in regions where surface water bodies are shrinking. The UN has also warned that freshwater species are in decline because of such environmental degradation.

Local fishers have responded by organising monthly lake‑cleanliness campaigns and urging neighbouring villages to stop dumping waste, especially plastic. Wamara stresses that any solution must consider the financial realities of those who depend on the lake, recommending against heavy taxes on traditional fishers while supporting sustainable, low‑impact fishing methods that avoid catching juvenile fish. The community’s natural and environmentally friendly techniques are seen as a cornerstone for preserving the lake’s ecosystem and maintaining the food supply for households around Lake Albert.

Kikuube district commissioner Godwin Angalia highlighted the government’s view of lakes as pillars of local economies and announced steps to curb pollution and illegal fishing. Authorities are forming indigenous community committees to involve fishers directly in fisheries management, recognizing their intimate knowledge of the lake. Protection efforts also extend to the Bugoma Forest, which feeds the lake’s water system, and to rivers such as Nguse and Wambaya that have suffered contamination from agricultural runoff. Angalia called on village leaders to report polluters, reinforcing a collaborative approach to safeguard Lake Albert’s future.