Leaders from the East African Community (EAC) Partner States have called for stronger regional cooperation and collective action to conserve and protect Lake Victoria, describing the lake as a lifeline for millions of people across East Africa.
Speaking during the inaugural Lake Victoria Day celebrations held at the Nane Nane Grounds in Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania, the leaders emphasized the urgent need to safeguard the lake from growing threats such as pollution, environmental degradation, overfishing, and climate change.
The leaders, led by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, noted that Lake Victoria plays a vital role in supporting the economies and livelihoods of communities in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Dr. Nchemba said millions of people depend on the lake for fishing, transportation, agriculture, tourism, and domestic water use. He stressed the importance of member states working together to implement sustainable environmental conservation measures aimed at preserving the lake for future generations.
He added that protecting Lake Victoria is not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic and social priority for the East African region.
Republic of Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment, Hon. Alfred Okidi, also underscored the significance of the lake, describing it as a critical source of livelihood for millions of East Africans.
He urged governments, development partners, local communities, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in addressing challenges affecting the lake’s ecosystem.
Hon. Okidi noted that rapid population growth, poor waste management, industrial pollution, and unsustainable human activities continue to pose serious risks to the health of Lake Victoria. He called for increased investment in environmental protection programmes and public awareness campaigns to promote the sustainable use of the lake’s resources.
The Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), Dr. Masinde Bwire, said the lake has in recent years faced severe threats, including pollution, water hyacinth infestation, illegal fishing practices, and environmental degradation.
He warned that unless urgent action is taken, these challenges could negatively affect biodiversity, fish production, water quality, and the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
Dr. Bwire emphasized the need to strengthen regional policies and enforce environmental laws aimed at protecting the lake and its ecosystem. He also called for enhanced scientific research and innovation to support conservation efforts and improve water resource management.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Kenya.
Ahead of the climax of the Lake Victoria Day celebrations, stakeholders convened for a high-level forum and donor round table discussion aimed at mobilizing support and strengthening partnerships for conservation initiatives within the Lake Victoria Basin.
The donor round table attracted representatives from several international development partners and financial institutions, including KfW, the European Union (EU), the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), among others.
The partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting environmental conservation, climate resilience, water management, sanitation projects, and sustainable economic activities within the Lake Victoria Basin.
Participants at the forum discussed key challenges affecting the lake and explored opportunities for increased investment, regional cooperation, and community involvement in conservation efforts. They also emphasized the importance of coordinated action among EAC member states to ensure the long-term sustainability of Lake Victoria and its resources.
The Lake Victoria Day celebrations brought together government officials, environmental experts, regional leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and members of the public from across the East African region.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of conserving Lake Victoria and promoting sustainable development within the lake basin.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together to ensure that Lake Victoria remains a sustainable resource and a symbol of regional unity and cooperation for generations to come.
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