QUALITY OF THE LAKE WATER AT UGANDA MARTYRS’ CATHOLIC SHRINE, NAMUGONGO AND ITS SUITABILITY FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

SSALI MATHIAS,MBEIZA MUTEKANGA

Abstract

The physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of the lake water at Uganda Martyrs’ Catholic Shrine Namugongo was determined in an attempt to ascertain its suitability for human consumption. Pilgrims who visit the shrine come for prayers at various times of the year and drink this water directly from the water body. They attach healing remedies to it. From the parameters investigated it was determined that this water is unsuitable for human consumption judged against the set standards of Uganda National Bureau of standards and World Health Organization. Therefore, pilgrims and communities living nearby should be discouraged from drinking this water in its raw form. It is recommended that a factory be set up to purify this water and/or it is boiled before being drank by the locals and pilgrims.