The rising water levels of L.Victoria continue to be a worry to areas around the lake. The lakes water level rose to 14.3cm drowning about 20% of the 100-acre Ngamba Island. The shoreline of the lake has grown narrower and partially immerged the island.
Home to 50 orphaned and rescued Chimpanzees, Ngamba sanctuary is situated on one of lake Victoria’s islands. Not only is it a safe haven for orphaned Chimpanzees, the island also has accommodation facilities for tourists and honeymooners from all walks of life making it a perfect tour destination.
According to Dr. Joshua Rukundo, Executive director of Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) under which Ngamba Island runs, the rising Lake Victoria water levels have immersed nearly 20% of the 100-acre island.
Dr. Rukundo stated that the lake started extending inland in February and now has taken up a big part of the island, destroying most of the accommodation facilities and now approaching the staff quarters.
“Even the two piers at Water-front beach in Entebbe and the one at Ngamba where boats used to dock, got submerged in water. The scenic island with a lot of birds and vegetation cover, curved with neatly thatched houses, is losing the battle to ravaging waves and rising water levels,” he commented.
“And we believe that water levels are still rising, at least for the next couple of months. We have cleared and demarcated some spots where there are ditches and holes in the forest and are filled with water, which can trap Chimps,” noted Dr. Rukundo.
Additionally, the signpost welcoming visitors to the sanctuary that used to lie several meters away from the lake is now sunk in water. More so, the emergency assembly point where staff and visitors used to parade in case chimpanzees went rouge, has been swept away by the waters. Some electric poles around the sanctuary have also been swamped into the water, making it risky chimps at the sanctuary.
Lilly Ajarova the Chief Executive Officer for Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) who is also the former executive director of the sanctuary, expressed great concern for the orphaned chimps which are trapped in two unfortunate circumstances.
“Those who have known me for years, surely know that this place holds a special place in my heart. It’s hard to even talk about myself without mentioning the Chimpanzees. I am asking that we spare whatever little we can, to make a donation towards feeding of Ngamba island’s Chimps. This is a difficult time for the sanctuary especially since travelling has been put on hold,” reads a Facebook post by Ajarova.
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