National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has declared an environmental emergency after a ruptured storage tank at Nile Industrial Chemicals Ltd in Jinja released approximately 40,000 litres of chlorinated solvent into the Walukuba drainage channel, which feeds directly into the River Nile inlet.
NEMA Director Dr Akankwasah Barirega ordered the plant to cease operations immediately. "This is a direct threat to Lake Victoria and the communities who depend on the Nile for drinking water," he said.
National Water and Sewerage Corporation has suspended water intake at the Jinja Treatment Plant as a precaution, affecting water supply to Jinja City and Iganga. Residents are advised to use bottled water only until further notice.
Two factory workers were hospitalised with chemical burns. CID forensics are on scene to establish liability.
