A regional water quality sampling exercise on Lake Victoria has been successfully concluded.
The initiative, officially launched on 9th June 2025 in Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania, came to a close on 16th July 2025 in the same location.
This collaborative effort brought together experts from the three East African Community (EAC) Partner States—Republic of Kenya, Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Sampling activities were conducted across nine key locations: Mwanza, Bukoba, Entebbe, Jinja, Busia, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Musoma, and Kirewe.
A total of 44 stations were sampled during the comprehensive exercise.
Tanzania recorded the highest number of stations with 17, followed by Uganda with 15, and Kenya with 11.
Samples collected from these stations have been sent to laboratories across the three countries, where analysis is currently underway.
The official results are expected to be released in due course.
The primary objective of the exercise was to assess the extent and sources of pollution in Lake Victoria, as well as to study the distribution and impact of invasive species such as water hyacinths.
Led by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) with support from the German Development Agency (GIZ) under the EAC for Nature project, the initiative aims to generate credible, science-based data to guide environmental conservation strategies and policy making in the region.
The monitoring program covered a broad range of parameters, including key nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, silica, alkalinity, and total suspended solids. In-situ measurements—including pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and photo synthetically active radiation (PAR)—were recorded at each sampling site, alongside GPS coordinates and depth data.
Additionally, the survey analyzed major ions (including calcium, magnesium, and chloride), and assessed Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), a critical indicator of organic pollution. Selected sites were also tested for heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead, with samples collected from both surface and bottom water layers.
Phytoplankton monitoring was conducted to examine algal composition and abundance, providing insight into biological activity and potential risks of harmful algal blooms.
This extensive survey offers a detailed snapshot of Lake Victoria’s chemical, physical, and biological state, supporting more informed and effective environmental management and long-term protection of one of Africa’s most vital freshwater ecosystems.
LVBC,s Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire said, ” we are happy with the effort of our regional experts together with our development partner. The results of this exercise will be crucial towards the development and sustainability of various projects and programmes within the larger Lake Victoria Basin”