Potable water supply distruption

Residents across the Greater Kibaale districts in Bunyoro Sub-region have raised concern over limited access to safe and clean water, saying the shortage continues to expose communities to disease and economic hardship. The districts of Kagadi, Kibaale and Kakumiro still record uneven access to safe water, with some sub-counties posting alarmingly low coverage. Many residents say they are forced to rely on unsafe water sources shared with animals. According to the Water Supply Atlas published by the Ministry of Water and Environment, safe water coverage stands at 31 percent in Kakumiro District, 57 percent in Kagadi and 65 percent in Kibaale. The figures place Kakumiro among the worst-affected districts in the country.
In Kagadi District, water access varies widely across sub-counties. Coverage ranges from as low as three percent in Ndaiga Sub-county to 95 percent in Kagadi Sub-county. Areas such as Kabamba, Paacwa, Kiryanga, Mpeefu and Rugashali all register less than 50 percent coverage. Ndaiga Sub-county remains the most water-stressed area. The sub-county has a population of more than 9,400 people living in more than 2,600 households spread across eight villages and four parishes.
"We use water from Ndaiga Landing Site, though it is unhealthy, but we have no option. It has been about five years since we last heard promises of water installation systems, but nothing has happened. Many families drink the water without boiling it because firewood is expensive," Ms Scollah Kajoina, a resident of Kabukanga Village, said. Residents say the water problem has also worsened the health situation in the area.
"Health workers rarely report to the facility, and services are limited. Many people cross over by boat to Ntoroko District to access better health care. Most of the sicknesses here are caused by unsafe water," Mr Leonard Masereka, a resident, said.