Staff Reporter
Florence Tumuheirwe, Executive Director of Kigezi Women in Development (KWID) in Kabale District, reported that over 40.5% of households in the Kigezi region lack access to improved drinking water sources. Citing the 2022 Uganda Demographic Health Survey, she also noted that 25.5% of households spend 30 minutes or more on round trips to collect water.
During the Local Government Budget Consultations for the Kigezi Sub-Region last month, Tumuheirwe highlighted the severe water access challenges faced by Kibanda Parish in Kamwezi sub-county, Rukiga District.
Many residents now rely on boreholes, some of which are non-functional, including the Karorwa gravity water scheme, which has been out of service for over six years, despite its importance to the community and institutions like Kakaktunda Primary School.
Tumuheirwe also raised concerns about the increased risk of gender-based violence faced by women and adolescent girls responsible for collecting water, and how poor sanitation in schools and healthcare facilities continues to drive girls out of school. She urged the Ministry of Water and Environment to prioritize providing safe water access to underserved communities in local governments.
