‘Poisoned’ water kills 13 cattle in Geita, DC orders investigation

Geita. Geita District Commissioner Hashim Komba has directed officials from the Mining Commission, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Ruwasa), and the Lake Victoria Basin in the district to conduct tests on water samples from a river surrounding a gold processing project located in Nyakagwe Village, Butobela Ward, after 13 cattle died from drinking water believed to be contaminated with poison.

Mr Komba issued the directive on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, during his visit, accompanied by the district security and defence committee, environmental officers, Ruwasa, and mining officials.

The DC arrived at the gold processing project owned by Mr Simon Kiganga to verify the situation and issue directives aimed at preventing further incidents of a similar nature.

“Our colleagues from the Mining Commission need to work closely with those from Ruwasa and the Lake Victoria Basin authorities to collect water samples passing through these areas and those flowing beyond, based on the direction of the small streams we are observing, so that you may continue verifying, without doubt, the safety of water being used within this zone,” directed Mr Komba.

Mr Komba also ordered regular inspections of mineral processing projects while urging livestock officers to educate pastoralists to take precautions when grazing their animals near mining sites to prevent livestock from drinking contaminated water.

Acting Resident Mining Officer for Geita mining region, Mr Hussein Nzima, said on March 23, 2026, they discovered the cattle dead at a gold site located near the investor.

He said an inspection involving the Mining Office, local executive officer, councillor, and livestock officer linked the deaths to cyanide poisoning, a chemical commonly used in mining operations.

“Preliminary investigations established signs of water leaking at Mr Simon Kiganga’s plant, especially from a pit used to store toxic water, and further assessment confirmed that the contaminated water originated from this project,” said Mr Nzima.

He added that following the incident, Sh20 million compensation was paid to the owner of the 13 cattle under a special agreement, while measures were also taken to bury the animals under the supervision of a veterinary doctor to prevent potential harm to humans had the meat been consumed.

He further explained that the penalty was issued under the Mining Act, which operates in conjunction with environmental legislation requiring any person responsible for environmental pollution to face punishment through the payment of fines.

Similarly, Acting Environmental Officer for Geita District Council, Mr Proches Norbert, said that after receiving reports of the incident, they visited the site the following day, March 24, 2026, and took action, including issuing a notice and imposing a fine of Sh10 million in accordance with environmental regulations, alongside restoration of the damaged environment.

Butobela Ward Councillor, Mr Paschal Mapungo, also urged the investor to adopt modern infrastructure when constructing large drainage channels for chemical water instead of relying on manual excavation, explaining that such methods endanger workers’ health and result in substandard drainage systems.

“Our goal is production; we are not opposed to your operations. We want to see you continue paying taxes, government revenue increasing, you benefiting from your investment, and surrounding communities enjoying greater safety,” said Mr Mapungo.