NELSON K
Residents of Omukishaha Cell in Kakindo Parish, Bugangari Sub-county, Rukungiri District, have raised serious concerns over the persistent water scarcity in their area, accusing local leaders of neglecting their responsibility to address the issue.
Speaking to Boona Radio, the LC1 Chairperson of Omukishaha, Mr. Mustafa Munyanga, outlined several challenges faced by residents due to the lack of clean water sources. He noted that many people are forced to fetch water from wetlands, rivers, and ponds, posing a serious health risk and increasing fears of disease outbreaks.
Mr. Mustafa emphasized that residents have raised these concerns repeatedly with relevant leaders, but no meaningful action has been taken. He has now appealed for urgent intervention to provide clean water sources to the community.
Similarly, Akangwanaho Simewo and Tumusiime Edward, also residents of Omukishaha Cell, echoed the same concerns. They said that their only option for accessing water for domestic use is from nearby wetlands and ponds. However, these sources become unusable during the rainy season due to excessive mud, further worsening their situation.
They called upon the authorities to take swift action, noting that nearby areas such as Bagahwe in Bugangari already have access to clean water, which could easily be extended to their community.
The residents also expressed concern for Kakindo Primary School, which has no access to clean water—something that is affecting school activities and putting children at high risk of waterborne diseases.
In response, the LC3 Chairperson of Bugangari Sub-county, Mr. Jaston Byamukama, acknowledged the water challenges in Kakindo Parish. He said they had attempted to construct various clean water sources in partnership with Raising The Village, but these efforts did not fully address the problem, leaving some villages still struggling.
Mr. Byamukama urged residents to be patient and assured them that the Kateramo Water Project in Bwambara, which is currently under construction, will eventually extend clean water to other areas, including Bugangari and Rwenshama. He also mentioned that as the current financial year nears its end in June, they are ready to plan and budget for water solutions. He promised to prioritize installing water tanks at Kakindo Primary School to alleviate the immediate crisis.
