By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
JINJA
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on 3rd November 2025 stopped operations at Busowoko Falls Resort Beach located at Nawampanda Parish, Butagaya Sub County in Jinja district.
The order was issued by the NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah following a tragic drowning incident that resulted in the death of Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga Kateera, a senior engineer who was attached to the Jinja City-based Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).
As can be recalled, the now deceased Eng. Rwakasanga Kateera died at the beach on 11 October, 2025 after he slipped and drowned and his body was recovered downstream on 12 October 2025.
The letter addressed to the Manager, Busowoko Falls Resort Beach with particular attention to Suuta Abdullah the proprietor, says the shutdown was due to non-compliance with environmental and safety protocols.
The four-page letter said NEMA officials conducted an environment assessment and found several loopholes which necessitated the closure.
He said that no Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was conducted prior to the development of the site contrary to Regulations 34(1-2) and 20(b) of the National Environment (Wetlands, River Banks and Lake Shores management), Regulations No 3 of 2000 and Regulations 25 of The National Environment (Environment and Social Assessment) Regulations, 2020.
There were no visible environmental directions and warning notices in restricted areas, visitors not provided with safety gear like life jackets, helmets and non-slip footwear.
NEMA directed that the facility conducts a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and obtain a valid ESIA Certificate of Approval from it before continuing with any project activities along the River Nile.
Management has also been instructed to apply and obtain a Riverbank User Permit from NEMA for all activities being conducted along the riverbank adding that it must remove all permanent structures, including the bar, restaurant and other buildings constructed within the 100-meter protection zone and restore the affected area to its natural state.
