Shs190 million water project commissioned in Kabarole

Kabarole: Kibasi Town Council in Kabarole District has received a Shs190 million water project, donated by Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), aimed at addressing the long-standing challenge of access to clean and safe water in the region.

The project includes a mini pumped water scheme in Hakibale Village and a borehole in Bulela Village. Both facilities are expected to serve over 1,000 households, significantly improving the lives of residents in Kibasi Town Council.

While commissioning the project recently, the State Minister for Local Government and Kabarole District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Victoria Businge Rusoke, emphasized its importance.

“Many households here have been relying on unsafe water sources, which has led to numerous health complications, ultimately affecting the well-being of the entire community,” she said.

Rusoke praised UBL’s contribution, calling it a major boost to community health and development. She urged residents to take ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability.

“This project is a clear demonstration of the positive role corporate entities can play in transforming communities. We welcome this initiative and hope others will follow suit in fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ugandans,” she added.

The Minister also noted the project aligns with the government’s National Development Plan III (NDP III), which prioritizes human capital development and access to essential social services such as clean water.

Kabarole LCV Chairperson, Richard Rwabuhinga, described the donation as a significant contribution to the district’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Master Plan, which has been in implementation since 2018 with funding from the International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC).

“At the start of the WASH program, clean water coverage in Kabarole stood at 56 percent. Today, we’re at 78 percent. This off-budget contribution from UBL is helping push us even closer to our goal of universal clean water access,” he noted.

Rwabuhinga also highlighted the broader public health implications, saying,
“About 80 percent of diseases in the country are waterborne. In rural areas, people often share water sources with animals, posing serious health risks.”

Anthony Alozie, UBL’s Supply Chain Director, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting the communities where it operates.

“Providing clean water to water-stressed areas is a key part of our sustainability strategy. We are proud to partner with Kibasi Town Council on this impactful project,” he said.

Alozie called on beneficiaries to protect and maintain the new water sources:

“It’s now your responsibility to safeguard these resources and use them wisely, so they can continue serving generations to come.”

Like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda faces a growing challenge in ensuring access to safe drinking water. According to Water.org, of Uganda’s 45 million people, 38 million (83%) lack access to a reliable, safely managed water source, while 7 million (17%) lack improved sanitation solutions.

At the continental level, World Bank data shows that 387 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa were without access to basic drinking water services in 2020 up from 350 million in 2000  highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to improve water access.

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