From the shores of Lake Victoria to communities across the continent, the inaugural Lake Victoria Day Celebrations are taking place in Mwanza, Tanzania from 18th to 21st May 2026 under the theme:
“Shared Waters. Shared Future: Uniting For a Sustainable Lake Victoria Basin.”
A Lake in Crisis
Our water goddess known as Nalubaale in Baganda (Lolwe in Luo, Inyanza in Kiswahili) is slowly dying. Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest lake and a symbol of continental unity – faces mounting threats from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and unsustainable practices.
Through the #MyLakeMyFuture Global Lakes Solidarity Campaign, stakeholders are rising in solidarity for justice, protection, and collective stewardship of our lakes – not only as ecosystems, but as sources of identity, dignity, memory, and continental connection.
Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Inaugural Lake Victoria Day Celebrations |
| Theme | Shared Waters. Shared Future: Uniting For a Sustainable Lake Victoria Basin |
| Dates | 18th – 21st May 2026 |
| Venue | Nane Nane Grounds, Mwanza – Tanzania |
| Campaign | #MyLakeMyFuture Global Lakes Solidarity Campaign |
Locations Across the Lake
The celebrations honor Lake Victoria’s three names across the three East African countries:
| Name | Country | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Inyanza | Tanzania | Kiswahili name |
| Lolwe | Kenya | Luo name |
| Nalubaale | Uganda | Baganda name |
Activities & Events
| Activity | Focus |
|---|---|
| Stakeholders Forum | Policy dialogue and collaboration |
| Eco-tourism Exhibition | Showcasing sustainable tourism |
| Development Partners Roundtable | Funding and partnerships |
| Innovation Fair | Youth-led solutions for lake conservation |
| NAAM Festival | Inaugural Mwanza celebration of Africa’s unity symbol |
| Waste Innovation Exhibition | Circular economy and waste management |
The NAAM Festival
A highlight of the celebrations is the NAAM Festival, supported by A Greener Future and KYNRA, celebrating Africa’s unity symbol through music, art, and culture. The festival brings together communities from across the continent to honor Lake Victoria as a shared heritage.
Why Lake Victoria Matters
“Lake Victoria is more than water. It is culture. Livelihood. Movement. A symbol of African unity that deserves restoration, vibrancy, and care for generations to come.”
The campaign emphasizes:
⚖️ Justice for Lake Victoria – Holding polluters accountable
🌍 Shared responsibility – All three East African nations must act together
🤝 Collective stewardship – Communities, governments, and partners united
🏛️ Restoring heritage – Giving back the lake its true identity through local ownership
A Call to Action
The #MyLakeMyFuture campaign calls upon all who depend on Lake Victoria – from fishermen to farmers, from tour operators to policymakers – to join the movement.
“Together, we champion shared waters, shared responsibility, and shared futures.”
Looking Ahead
As the inaugural Lake Victoria Day celebrations unfold in Mwanza, the message is clear: It’s time to give back the heritage its true identity for local ownership. The lake that has given so much for so long deserves restoration, vibrancy, and care for generations to come.
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