Lucky P
The Ministry of Health has announced an investigation into water sources of Ntabago and Rukongo rivers in Bunyangabu district following concerns raised by the area MP Victor Kalenzi earlier this month over the increasing number of cancer cases in the area.
In a letter dated 30th July 2026, signed by Dr. Daniel J. Kyabayinze on behalf of the Director General of Health Services, the Ministry said the investigation follows a directive from the Government Chief Whip contained in a letter dated 8th July 2026, which raised allegations of unusually high cancer cases in Bunyangabu County.
According to the Ministry, preparations for the field exercise have already been completed, including community consultations and plans for water sampling.
The inspection will involve collecting water samples from the rivers for laboratory analysis to establish whether there is any link between the water sources and the reported cancer cases.
Once the samples are collected, they will be analysed by the Central Public Health Laboratory and other government laboratories.
The exercise will be spearheaded jointly by the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Cancer Institute and other key government agencies.
The latest development follows concerns recently raised by Bunyangabu County Member of Parliament, Dr. Victor Kalenzi, who appealed to Parliament and the Ministry of Health to investigate the increasing number of cancer-related deaths in the district.
During his submission, Kalenzi questioned whether water from the Ntabago and Rukongo rivers could be contributing to the growing disease burden, prompting calls for investigations.
Kalenzi told Parliament that residents have reported unusual effects after consuming water from the rivers, including rapid discoloration of teeth. At the time, he urged the Ministry of Health to conduct scientific investigations into whether the water contains harmful minerals that could be linked to the increasing cancer cases.
Copies of the letter are addressed to the Area Member of Parliament for Bunyangabu County, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, and the Chief Administrative Officer of Bunyangabu District, signaling the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution.
The findings are expected to provide scientific evidence that will guide government interventions aimed at protecting public health and addressing community concerns over the discoloration of the teeth.