Communities living along the shores of Lake Victoria are breathing a sigh of relief as the government intensifies efforts to clear invasive aquatic weeds that have for years disrupted daily life, damaged the environment, and threatened local economies.
The weeds Salvinia molesta, water hyacinth, and the native Lutende have spread rapidly across more than 300 acres of the lake, choking its waters, obstructing transport, and reducing fish stocks.
For fishing communities and small-scale transporters, this has meant fewer catches, blocked routes, and lost income.But that’s beginning to change.
During a working visit to the Kigongo-Busisi area on Monday, May 19, 2025, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa assured residents that the government is determined to solve the crisis.
“These weeds have had a serious impact on people’s lives on fishing, on transportation, and on the lake’s natural balance,” he said.
“Thanks to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, we now have the equipment and the support needed to eliminate them.”he added
The Prime Minister was referring to the government’s recent acquisition of specialized machinery designed to clear and destroy the weeds efficiently. The machines are now being deployed as part of a broader environmental recovery campaign.
Local residents, especially fishermen, have joined the effort by volunteering their time and labor to help remove the weeds manually where machines cannot reach. “This is our home, our lake. If we don’t protect it, who will?” said one resident.
Engineer Cyprian Luhemeja, Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Environment), briefed the Prime Minister on progress so far.
He confirmed that the cleanup operation is focused on some of the worst-affected areas and is expected to be completed by July 2025.
“The goal is not just to remove the weeds,” Luhemeja explained, “but to restore a balanced ecosystem that can support both biodiversity and human activity for the long term.”he added
Prime Minister Majaliwa also instructed environmental authorities to continue with the operation until the lake is fully cleared, ensuring that fishing, transport, and community life can return to normal without further disruption.
“This is about more than clearing plants from water,” he said. “It’s about restoring opportunity, dignity, and hope to the people who depend on Lake Victoria every single day.”he added