Over 100 villages in Kakumiro benefit from solar-powered piped water project
KAKUMIRO, September 27, 2025 – Residents of over 100 villages in Kikwaya, Birembo, Kakindo sub-counties, and Igayaza Town Council in Kakumiro district now have access to clean and safe water, thanks to a newly commissioned solar-powered piped water system worth Shs 10.5 billion.
The project, funded by the India Exim Bank and implemented by Shakti Pumps [I] Ltd and International Energy Technik, was delivered through the Ministry of Water and Environment.
According to David Bateganywa, Principal Engineer at the Ministry and Project Manager for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Development, this is part of a wider US$ 35 million project being rolled out across the country, covering 600 villages in 22 districts including Kakumiro, Yumbe, Agago, Kabong, Buyende, Mityana, Mubende, Kasanda, Kisoro, Kasese, and Bulambuli, among others.
“The project was implemented under the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Development Programme and is designed to serve up to 10,000 families,” said Bateganywa.
He added that the system includes seven pump stations and five reservoirs, and being solar-powered, it is expected to remain operational for over 20 years.
“The aim is to bring safe water closer to communities. During the implementation phase, we connected 150 households as promotional connections to encourage uptake,” he said.
Residents welcome access to safe water
For many locals, the project marks a dramatic improvement in their daily lives. John Byaruhanga, a resident of Rutoma Village in Kikwaya Sub-county, said that access to piped water was something they never imagined possible.
“We used to share water sources with wild animals in swamps and River Nguse. These unprotected sources exposed us to waterborne diseases. Having clean water in the village is a dream come true,” he said.
Jane Birungi, a resident of Kakindo Village, echoed similar sentiments. She described the water project as a major milestone for the area, noting the long distances previously walked—up to three kilometres, to fetch water from the river.
“Women and children bore the biggest burden. We’ve suffered from waterborne diseases like typhoid, malaria, and cholera due to contaminated water. But now, that’s history,” she said, thanking the government for finally addressing the community’s needs.
Call for sustainability and community involvement
While commissioning the project, Francis Kibuuka, the Resident District Commissioner [RDC] for Kakumiro, urged the community to ensure the system is well maintained to guarantee its sustainability.
He also thanked the Government of India for its continued development support to Uganda.
“This project will greatly reduce water shortages, disease burden, and even domestic violence caused by women spending long hours at distant water sources,” Kibuuka noted.
He encouraged local leaders to mobilise residents to apply for household connections, highlighting the long-term health and financial benefits of safe water.
“The cost of using this piped water is far less than the money you’ve been spending on hospital bills for illnesses caused by unsafe water. Apply, get connected, and start enjoying the benefits of clean water,” he said.
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