The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Water and Environment, has launched the construction of the Shs 47 Billion Bugarama–Karweru Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System in Kabale District, a project officials say will transform access to safe water and sanitation in Ndorwa East Constituency.
The project, implemented under the Climate Smart Water and Sanitation Investment Project (CWIP), aims to expand access to clean water, improve household and institutional sanitation, and reduce the vulnerability of communities to the effects of climate change.
The contract, awarded to M/S Vidas Engineering Services Company Limited under Contract No. MoWE/WRKS/2024-2025/00102, will cover nine parishes and 117 villages across the sub-counties of Maziba, Buhara, and Kyanamira in Ndorwa East.
According to Eng. Enoch Mwanje, the South-western and Rwenzori Branch Manager of the Water and Sanitation Development Programme, the Bugarama–Karweru system is part of a broader multi-component initiative.
He said the system is designed to serve a population of 43,164 people once complete, providing a sustainable, reliable, and adequate supply of clean water to households, schools, health centres, and other institutions in the three sub-counties.
The water system will use a mix of pumping and gravity flow technologies, with water drawn from Kahama, Kashija, Kacuro springs and Lake Bunyonyi.
Key components of the project include a modern treatment plant, 200m³ concrete reservoirs at Mishundo Catholic Church and Keirungu Church of Uganda, a 50m³ concrete tank at Bugarama Primary School, a 15m³ concrete tank at Hamubuga, and a 40m³ steel tank mounted on a 10-metre tower at Omukagana.
The project also includes the construction of an office block and chemical houses, extension of three-phase power lines, 30 public standpipes, 500 promotional yard taps in Bugarama and 800 in Karweru, as well as two institutional VIP latrines with five stances each for Bugarama and Karweru.
Speaking during the launch and project handover on Thursday, Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, Commended the local leadership for lobbying for the project. He also appealed to residents to own the project. “Let us guard these facilities jealously. This is our water, our future. Anyone who vandalizes pipes or tanks is attacking the community itself,” he warned.
Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Michael Muramira Kyakashari, hailed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for prioritizing water access.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Eng. Dr. Felix Twinomucunguzi, the Assistant Commissioner for Urban Water and Sewerage Services, emphasized that the project is fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
He further called for environmental protection. “When you cut trees carelessly, you are destroying the same catchment areas that feed these water sources. Climate change is real, and if we don’t protect our environment, even these good projects will be at risk,” he cautioned.
Kabale Woman Member of Parliament, Honorable Catherine Ndamira Atwakiire, noted that the project would also improve electricity access in the area.
CUE IN ATWAKIIRE……ON THE PROJECT……RR//
Ndorwa East Member of Parliament, Honorable Wilfred Niwagaba, who served as Chief Guest, said the project would bring long-awaited relief to communities that have struggled with chronic water shortages.
He urged the contractor to maintain high standards. “Do not cut corners. Deliver quality work within the agreed timeframe so that our people can start enjoying the benefits as soon as possible,” he said.
CUE IN NIWAGABA…. ON THE PROJECT……RR//
