LUCKY
Bunyangabu County Member of Parliament Dr. Victor Kalenzi has called on the government to urgently investigate what he described as an alarming rise in cancer cases in Bunyangabu District, raising concerns that contaminated water sources could be contributing to the growing number of illnesses.
Presenting a matter of national importance before Parliament, Dr. Kalenzi said the district has witnessed a disturbing increase in cancer-related deaths, prompting the need for immediate scientific investigations by the Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies.
The legislator revealed that he had lost his own son to cancer two weeks ago and that, within the same week, more than 12 other residents of Bunyangabu were buried after succumbing to the disease.
Describing the trend as deeply worrying, Kalenzi said there is an urgent need to establish whether environmental factors, particularly unsafe water, are playing a role in the increasing number of cancer cases.
He identified the sub-counties of Kiyombya, Rwimi, and Kabonero as the most affected areas, noting that many residents rely on water from crater lakes and the Ntabago River for domestic use.
According to the MP, residents have reported that drinking water from the Ntabago River causes rapid discoloration of their teeth, raising concerns about the presence of harmful minerals or other contaminants.
Kalenzi further observed that communities using the same water sources frequently record cases of bilharzia, strengthening calls for comprehensive testing to determine whether the water may also contain substances associated with cancer.
He urged the Ministry of Health to work with the Ministry of Water and Environment to conduct detailed scientific analyses of the affected water sources and provide clear findings to the public.
The MP also disclosed that Bunyangabu District currently has 49 patients receiving palliative care, noting that many cancer patients seek medical treatment only after the disease has reached advanced stages, significantly limiting treatment options and reducing survival chances.
He appealed to the government to prioritize the provision of safe and clean water to affected communities while investigations are ongoing, saying access to safe water is essential for protecting public health.
Responding on behalf of the government, Government Chief Whip Ruth Jane Aceng assured Parliament that the concerns had been noted and that the government would immediately engage the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Water and Environment to investigate the quality of water in the crater lakes and the Ntabago and Rukongo rivers.
She said the findings of the investigations would help determine whether any environmental factors are contributing to the reported increase in cancer and other water-related illnesses.
While Dr. Kalenzi expressed concern that contaminated water could be linked to the rise in cancer cases, no scientific evidence has yet established such a connection in Bunyangabu District. The investigations announced by the government are expected to determine whether any contaminants are present and whether they pose a risk to public health.