Environment authority closes Busowoko Falls Resort Beach in Jinja

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The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a stop order for unauthorised activities at Busowoko Falls Resort Beach located at the riverbank zone of River Nile.

Closure of the operational activities at Busowoko Falls Resort Beach located in Busowoko village, Nawampanda Parish, Butagaya sub-county in Jinja district, was issued in an order signed by Dr Barirega Akankwasah, the Executive Director of NEMA.

The letter dated October 17, 2025, addressed to the Jinja city Resident Commissioner Richard Gulume, highlighted that Inspectors from NEMA conducted an environmental compliance monitoring and inspection at Busowoko Falls Resort Beach on October 13, 2025, following a request from the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Jinja, regarding a fatal drowning incident of Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga Kateera attached to Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and reports of unregulated operations at the site.

Akankwasah is also copied to: the Jinja District Environment Officer (DEO), Jinja District District Police Commander (DPC), Jinja District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and the Jinja District Director, Marine Police / Uganda Police Force.

“Take notice that you are hereby ordered to stop with immediate effect all recreational, commercial, construction and related operations at Busowoko Falls Resort Beach within the 100-metre protection zone of the River Nile and also stop any associated activities that may cause environmental degradation and endanger the public,” it stated.

A team of securty officers accessing the woodon bridge at Busowoko falls resort beach in Jinja district.

• No Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was conducted prior to the development of the site and hence the facility does not possess an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Certificate contrary to the Regulations 34(1-2) and 20(b) of the National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores Management) Regulations, No. 3 of 2000 and Regulation 25 of The National Environment (Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations, 2020.

Other issues:

• There were no visible environmental or safety signage, warning notices, or demarcations in restricted areas, and no adequate measures to guide visitor access to ensure public safety. Individuals accessing the falls were not provided with or mandated to have safety gear or protective equipment, such as life jackets, helmets, or non-slip footwear. 

"The facility lacks demarcated pathways and walkways, leading to uncontrolled visitor movement within sensitive and high-risk areas of the riverbank,” he noted.

• Unsegregated solid waste was observed dumped at the site contrary to Regulation 31 of the National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores Management) Regulations, No. 3 of 2000 and Regulation 26 of The National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations, 2020.

Open burning of waste was observed at the site, contrary to Regulation 14 of the National Environment (Air Quality Standards) Regulations, 2024.

Recommendations

The NEMA boss recommended that the Management of Busowoko Falls Resort Beach should:

• Undertake a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and obtain a valid ESIA Certificate of Approval from the National Environment Management Authority before continuing with any project activities along the River Nile.
• Apply for and obtain a Riverbank User Permit from this authority for all activities being conducted along the riverbank as required under Regulation 23(1)(a-e) of the National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores Management) Regulations, No. 3 of 2000.
• Remove or relocate all permanent structures, including the bar, restaurant, and other buildings, constructed within the 100-metre protection zone, and the affected area should be restored to its natural state.
• Install clear and visible safety signage and warning notices in restricted and high-risk areas, provide environmental information boards, and establish designated access routes to ensure visitor safety and awareness.
• Ensure that all persons accessing the river banks have appropriate safety gear, including life jackets, helmets, and non-slip footwear at all times.
• Designate and clearly demarcate safe pedestrian pathways and walkways, and restrict access to sensitive and high-risk areas by installing clear signage and physical barriers.
• Develop and implement an effective solid waste management plan that includes segregation of waste at source, proper storage, and disposal by a licensed waste handler in accordance with the National Environment (Waste Management) Regulations, 2020.
• Establish and maintain a proper record-keeping system to document daily operations, waste management activities, and incidents, and submit regular reports to this Authority in accordance with Sections 176 and 177 of the National Environment Act, Cap. 181.

Police reported that Eng. Rwakasanga was on a family excursion, 11 October 11, 2025 when he slipped and fell into the River Nile’s powerful waters while taking photographs and enjoying the scenic views.

Despite immediate rescue efforts, his body was recovered several kilometres downstream the following day on October 12, 2025.