Residents of Kicwamba Ward in Kitagwenda Town Council are grappling with a severe water shortage, raising concerns about the risk of waterborne diseases due to their reliance on unsafe sources.
In a proactive move, locals led by LC1 Chairperson Benard Kapere organized a Burungi Bwansi (community service) exercise on Wednesday to reopen a previously constructed shallow well that had dried up.
The initiative highlights the growing desperation among residents who have been left without reliable access to clean water.
Kitagwenda Town Council Speaker, Jonan Ahairwe, acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis and criticized the government’s decision to phase out shallow wells—once a primary water source for rural communities—in favor of deep boreholes and piped water systems, which have yet to be implemented in the area.
Joining the residents during the cleanup, area Member of Parliament Hon. Dorothy Nyakato Nzibonera expressed solidarity with the community and assured them that efforts were underway to address the problem. “Your voices have been heard, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to find a lasting solution,” she said.
Kitagwenda Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Joanitah Nakityo, confirmed that plans to improve water access are in motion, although no timeline was provided.
As the community continues to struggle, residents are urging the government to prioritize swift and sustainable interventions to prevent potential health crises stemming from the lack of safe drinking water.
