MP Cries Out After Losing Son, 12 Others As Gov’t Probes ‘Cancer Water’ In Bunyangabu

By Swift Reporter 

The government has pledged to investigate alarming claims that contaminated water sources in Bunyangabu District could be contributing to a surge in cancer-related illnesses and bilharzia infections following concerns raised on the floor of Parliament.

The commitment was made by Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng after Bunyangabu County MP Victor Kalezi appealed for urgent intervention, saying residents in parts of the district were facing what he described as an “outbreak of cancer.” Kalezi told Parliament that at least 13 people, including his own son, had recently died after suffering from 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, describing the situation as a public health emergency.

The legislator blamed the suspected health crisis on contaminated water consumed by residents of Kiyombya and Rwimi sub-counties, who depend on a crater lake and Rivers Ntabago and Rukongo for domestic use. According to Kalezi, the water appears to have unusual properties, claiming that people who drink it experience rapid discoloration of their teeth and that residents are forced to take bilharzia medication every month.

“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 told Parliament.

Kalezi further revealed that 49 people in Bunyangabu are currently receiving palliative care, urging the Ministry of Health to urgently provide safe drinking water to residents of Kiyombya, Rwimi and Kabonero while investigations are conducted.

“We are also asking to be provided with clean water as a matter of emergency because we suspect that the water there may have dangerous minerals causing cancer and bilharzia,” he added.

Responding to the concerns, Dr. Aceng assured Parliament that the Ministry of Health would immediately investigate the claims by carrying out scientific assessments of the suspected water sources.

“We have taken note of the issue and we shall inform the Ministry of Health to launch an investigation to see what is in the lake and the two rivers, and they will inform us of their findings,” Aceng said.

While no official link has yet been established between the water sources and the reported illnesses, scientific research has shown that certain contaminants in drinking water including arsenic, nitrate and chromium can increase the risk of cancer. The World Health Organization also identifies arsenic-contaminated drinking water as a known cancer risk factor.

Medical experts further note that bilharzia, particularly infections caused by Schistosoma haematobium, can significantly increase the risk of bladder cancer if left untreated. The parasite has been classified as a proven human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Health experts, however, caution that laboratory analysis of the water, epidemiological studies and medical records will be required to establish whether Bunyangabu is experiencing an unusual rise in cancer cases and whether contaminated water is responsible. The government’s investigation is expected to provide definitive answers while informing any emergency public health interventions needed in the district.