Pallisa District Authorities shuts Lukonge Cotton/Cassava factory over pollution, health concerns.
BY OKIDI PATRICK OCAMOYITDYEL
PALLISA, UGANDA: Pallisa District authorities have ordered the temporary closure of Lukonge Cotton/Cassava Company Limited in Oladot Village, Opwateta Sub-county, Kibale County, over alleged environmental degradation and public health violations.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, 11th August, 2026, by a multi-agency team led by Resident District Commissioner RDC Dikusooka Majid, following complaints from residents about improper waste disposal, wetland encroachment and foul odors from the factory.
On-site inspection and findings
The district team first held a community baraza to hear testimony from affected residents before proceeding to the factory, which is managed by investor Mr. Patel.
Members on the team included Deputy RDC Hajjat Nakusi Asher, Assistant RDC Rebecca Babirye, DISO Afande Eldard Brian Babishanga, LCV Chairperson Hon. Okiria Ben, Speaker Hon. Ariong Jeremiah, council executive members, and local leaders from Opwateta Sub-county.
Preliminary findings indicated that cassava residues were being discharged into nearby wetlands, causing environmental contamination, offensive smells and reported disease outbreaks in surrounding communities.
10-day closure directive
District leaders issued binding directives:
- Management has 24 hours to complete processing of all remaining cassava stock on site.
- The factory will then close for 10 days to allow for remediation of environmental damage and installation of proper waste management systems.
RDC Dikusooka Majid described the situation as a “grave public health concern.”
“This is a very serious matter because it directly affects the health and livelihood of our people. Should the management fail to comply with these instructions within the stipulated timeframe, legal action shall be instituted, and those responsible will be liable to arrest and prosecution,” he warned.
Majid also faulted officials of the National Environment Management Authority – NEMA in Mbale for alleged negligence.
“It is unacceptable that such glaring infractions were not addressed earlier. Instead of diligent oversight, our reports indicate that some officers limited their engagement to merely signing the visitors’ book and departing,” he said.
LCV Chairperson Hon. Okiria Ben called on residents to report acts of environmental malpractice.
He urged district technocrats to be proactive during this kisanja. “You must wake up and execute your mandate with renewed vigor, rather than remain idle in your offices,” he added.
“I encourage the community to continue safeguarding the environment. A healthy environment is fundamental to a healthy population,” he said.
Local leaders welcomed the intervention. “We thank the district for responding to our cry. This issue has caused us sleepless nights, and we are grateful that our leaders have come to restore order,” one leader said.
The district administration said it will conduct a follow-up inspection after the 10-day period to verify compliance before operations can resume.
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