A suspected oil spill from Oil Buster Industries Ltd, a used oil recycling facility in Bumbajja Village, Nakisunga Sub County, Mukono District, has triggered outrage and fear among residents, following reports of widespread pollution affecting water sources and farmland.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on Wednesday arrested two individuals linked to the facility during a snap inspection prompted by mounting public complaints and media reports.
Residents of six villages including Katente, Nantula, Kiyoola, Bumbajja, Nasaka and Buzu say toxic sludge from the oil plant has contaminated their environment, causing foul odours, crop damage and unsafe drinking water.
“We can’t eat, we can’t sleep because the stench is everywhere,” a resident lamented during an emergency meeting chaired by LC1 Chairman David Ssekamwa in Bumbajja Village.
Robert Ssentongo, the councillor representing Nakisunga Sub County, urged the government to set up strict monitoring measures for such facilities.
“Factories that handle hazardous materials should be far from human settlements. No factory should operate at the expense of the locals,” Ssentongo said.
NEMA officials revealed that Oil Buster Industries is under investigation for multiple breaches of environmental standards, including oil spills, improper waste disposal and failure to install a functional effluent treatment system.
“There is also evidence suggesting oil waste has been dumped and burnt on private land, about one kilometre from the facility,” NEMA noted in a statement.
Naomi N. Karekaho, Head of Corporate Communications at NEMA, said the two arrested individuals would assist in ongoing investigations.
“This is part of a broader fact-finding process to guide regulatory action. We assure the public that enforcement measures will be taken where necessary,” she said.
Under Uganda’s National Environment Act, Cap. 181, polluters found guilty face fines ranging from shs3 million to shs6 billion or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.
Despite the growing crisis, Oil Buster Industries’ manager, Simon Kimyalo, downplayed the situation, calling the complaints “exaggerated” in a phone interview.
His refusal to visit the affected areas in person has fueled anger among residents.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Mukono, Hassan Kasibante, pledged to work with NEMA to hold the company accountable.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to oil waste can cause respiratory problems, skin infections and contamination of food supplies, posing long term health risks to the affected communities.
Karekaho reaffirmed NEMA’s stance on pollution. “NEMA remains committed to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring facilities operate within approved standards to protect both communities and ecosystems.”
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