KATO NELSON
Residents of Rugando Cell in Nyakinengo Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub-County, are constantly afraid of disease outbreaks due to chronic water scarcity. The community struggles to access safe water daily, leading to serious health concerns.
Evalisto Byarugaba, a resident of Rugando Cell, explained to our reporter that water scarcity has been a longstanding issue. Locals are forced to fetch water from distant ponds and small rivers, which are often unsafe for consumption. Byarugaba expressed particular concern for schools in the area, such as St. Luke Primary School, Rugando Primary School, and Integrative Nursery and Primary School, which are all affected by the water crisis. Since both people and animals rely on these limited water sources, residents fear an outbreak of waterborne diseases due to stagnant and contaminated water.
Kajura Gurunerio, another Rugando Cell resident, shared that while they have repeatedly raised concerns about water scarcity with local leaders, no significant action has been taken. He described the daily struggle of waking up early to fetch water, competing with both domestic and wild animals for access to ponds and small channels, further heightening the risk of contamination. Kajura criticized the leadership in Nyakagyeme and Rujumbura Constituency for failing to address the water issue and other critical services like electricity and roads.
According to Kajura, the community has seen numerous disease outbreaks, especially affecting children, due to contaminated water, which has led to high medical expenses.
Didas Byamugisha, the LC1 Chairperson of Rugando Cell, confirmed that water scarcity and contamination challenges affect not only their area but also neighboring villages like Kishanda and Kirehe. He mentioned that the sole water well in the area, located at Rugando Primary School and known as Kyabutonya, is heavily relied upon by many residents. Due to high demand, residents may wait all day to collect water. Byamugisha noted that efforts to supply water through the area’s gravity water source have failed, largely because the terrain is very hilly, which complicates distribution.
