CAN LUWEERO’S SUGAR INDUSTRY CLEAN UP ITS ACT
By EcoNews Staff – August 21, 2025
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has defended the Victoria Sugar Factory in Luweero District against recent allegations of pollution, saying the claims are misleading and not backed by evidence. NEMA insists it has deployed inspectors to verify the concerns and remains committed to transparency in handling environmental matters.
Speaking on the matter, NEMA spokesperson Naomi Namara said: “There have been reports of pollution in the area, but so far, no evidence shows that Victoria Sugar is the source. Other activities in the vicinity could be responsible, and we are carrying out thorough investigations.”
Victoria Sugar’s Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Nasif Ismail, dismissed the accusations as false and malicious, arguing that competitors may be attempting to tarnish the factory’s reputation. “We follow every requirement from NEMA. Our operations are monitored in real time with systems that NEMA itself oversees. Anyone saying otherwise is not telling the truth,” he said.
Mr. Ismail also questioned the origin of the complaints, pointing out that “most of the reports come from Yandwe I village, not from Ndibulungi where the factory is actually located. That makes it doubtful whether these claims are genuine.”
Luweero District Natural Resources Officer, Ms. Teopista Gateese, backed up the factory’s defense. “No visible emissions such as dark smoke have been reported or observed at the factory. We advise leaders and residents to consult our office before making such allegations. Similar complaints were made in the past, but they were investigated and resolved in favor of the factory,” she explained.
From the community itself, Mr. Godfrey Mukasa, a resident of Ndibulungi village, said: “I live close to the factory and have not experienced any problem with their operations.” His testimony contrasts with media reports that claimed residents were suffering from water contamination, respiratory illnesses, and damage to clothing due to alleged emissions.
Despite these reassurances, environmental experts caution that sugar processing plants can cause serious hazards if left unchecked, including particulate emissions and waste water discharge. They recommend that factories undergo independent environmental audits, establish open data reporting, and engage in continuous dialogue with communities.
EcoNews suggests the creation of a community-led oversight committee made up of local residents, technical experts, and regulators to monitor operations at Victoria Sugar and other nearby industries. Such a platform could host regular open days where pollution readings and compliance reports are shared publicly, strengthening both accountability and trust.
