KABAROLE, April 17, 2025 – Kibasi Town Council in Kabarole District has received a clean water project worth Shs 190 million, donated by Uganda Breweries Limited [UBL], aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of limited access to safe and clean water.
The project includes the installation of a mini pumped water scheme in Hakibale Village and a borehole in Bulela Village, both located within Kibasi Town Council. The initiative is expected to benefit more than 1,000 households.
Commissioning the project on Friday, the State Minister for Local Government and Kabarole District Woman Member of Parliament, Victoria Rusoke Businge, highlighted the importance of the intervention, noting the area’s longstanding struggle with water scarcity.
“Many households here have been relying on unsafe water sources, leading to numerous health complications and impacting the overall well-being of the community,” said Hon. Rusoke.
She praised UBL for extending its support to Kabarole district, describing the donation as a significant boost to both community health and local development.
“This project is a clear demonstration of the positive role that corporate entities can play in transforming communities. We commend this initiative and hope other organisations are inspired to follow suit, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ugandans,” she added.
Hon. Rusoke also stressed the need for community ownership and responsible management of the new water sources, and pointed out that the initiative aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III [NDP III], which prioritises investment in human capital and social services such as clean water access.
The Kabarole District LCV Chairperson, Richard Rwabuhinga, welcomed the contribution, describing it as a significant step forward in implementing the district’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene [WASH] Master Plan.
“Since 2018, Kabarole has been implementing a 12-year WASH Master Plan, funded by the International Water and Sanitation Centre [IRC], with the goal of delivering safe water to every village at an estimated cost of over USD 24 million,” he said.
He noted that clean water coverage in the district has increased from 56 percent in 2018 to 78 percent currently, adding that UBL’s off-budget support has significantly boosted progress.
“This donation brings us even closer to achieving our target,” Rwabuhinga added.
He also expressed concern about the wider national burden of waterborne diseases, noting:
“About 80 percent of diseases in Uganda are linked to unsafe water. In rural areas, people often share water sources with animals, posing serious health risks.”
Speaking at the event, Anthony Alozie, UBL’s Supply Chain Director, reiterated the company’s commitment to improving the communities in which it operates.
“Providing clean water to water-stressed areas is a vital part of our sustainability strategy. We are proud to partner with Kibasi Town Council on this impactful project,” said Alozie.
He urged beneficiaries to use and maintain the water facilities responsibly to ensure they serve future generations.
“It’s now your responsibility to safeguard these resources and use them wisely,” he emphasised.
Uganda, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, continues to face a growing challenge of inadequate access to clean drinking water. This calls for a concerted effort from government, development partners, and the private sector to address the issue.
According to Water.org, a global non-profit organisation working to improve water and sanitation access, 38 million Ugandans [83 percent] lack access to a reliable, safely managed water source, and seven million [17 percent] lack access to improved sanitation facilities.
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