Oil pollution crisis leaves six villages in Nakisunga sub-county grappling with health and environmental disaster Â
Mukono District – Residents of six villages in Nakisunga Sub-County are living in distress after an oil waste spill from Oil Booster Limited contaminated their water sources and farmland, raising fears of long-term health and environmental damage. Â
Contamination Spreads, Disrupting Lives
The affected villages—Katente, Nantula, Kiyoola, Bumbajja, Nasaka, and Buzu—have reported that toxic sludge from the oil recycling plant has resulted in the following:
Pollution from an unspecified source is causing environmental damage, including water contamination, crop damage, and foul odours.
"We can’t eat, we can’t sleep—even burying our dead has become difficult because the stench follows us everywhere," said a resident during an emergency meeting in Bumbajja Village, chaired by LC1 Chairman David Ssekamwa. Â
 Company Response Falls Short Â
While villagers accuse Oil Booster Limited of negligence, the company’s manager, Simon Kimyalo, dismissed concerns over the phone, claiming the issue was "exaggerated." This response has further angered residents, who note that company officials refuse to visit the site in person, opting instead to survey the damage from vehicles. Â
Hassan Kasibante, Deputy RDC of Mukono, has pledged to collaborate with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to investigate and hold the company accountable. "We will convene a joint meeting with all stakeholders to address this crisis," he assured. Â
Broader Implications
Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to oil waste can result in respiratory ailments, skin infections, and the contamination of food supplies.
Economic Impact: Farmers are apprehensive about crop failures, while fishermen have reported a decline in catches due to polluted waters.
Legal Action: Residents are accumulating evidence to potentially initiate legal proceedings against the company. Â
