9/7/2026
Government will investigate claims that unsafe water in Bunyangabu could be linked to cancer and bilharzia after an MP reported 13 cancer deaths, including his son.
Government has promised to investigate claims that unsafe water in Bunyangabu District could be linked to cancer and bilharzia deaths.
Bunyangabu County MP Victor Kalezi raised the matter on the floor of Parliament on July 8, 2026. He said the district was facing what he called “an outbreak of cancer”.
At least 13 people, including his own child, he said had recently died following illnesses with cancer-like symptoms
Two weeks ago, I lost my son and in the same week we buried 12 other people, dying of cancer,” Kalezi said.
The health crisis, according to the MP, is believed to be from residents of Kiyombya and Rwimi sub-counties drinking contaminated water from a crater lake as well as two rivers named River Ntabago and River Rukongo
When you drink water from those rivers, your teeth become rusted immediately. People from that area are taking Bilharzia tablets monthly. We think that this water that is causing Bilharzia could be the same that is causing cancer,” he said.
Some drinking water contaminants, including arsenic, nitrate and chromium, have been linked to higher cancer risk.
The World Health Organisation also lists arsenic in drinking water among cancer risk factors.
Bilharzia can also raise cancer risk, especially bladder cancer, when caused by Schistosoma haematobium. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies that parasite as a proven carcinogen.
However, experts would need water tests, cancer records and patient data to confirm whether Bunyangabu has a cancer outbreak and whether water is the cause.
Studies have also shown that some high-altitude crater lakes in western Uganda can transmit schistosomiasis, meaning Kalezi’s concern about crater lake water and bilharzia needs urgent investigation.
