Water Crisis Hits Kikarara Parish in Rukungiri

Rukungiri: Residents of Kikarara Parish in Bwambara Sub County, Rujumbura County, in Rukungiri District are grappling with a severe water shortage, a crisis they say is endangering their health and disrupting daily life.

Speaking during a community meeting held at Nyakabungo Community Church in Nyakabungo Cell recently, the locals expressed deep frustration over the persistent lack of clean and safe water.

The LC1 Chairperson of Garuka Cell Wilson Twebaze, lamented the community’s continued dependence on unsafe water sources, which has exposed them to waterborne diseases such as typhoid, diarrhea, and dysentery.

The LC1 Chairperson of Kafujo Chris Mbahena, said that although leaders have on several occasions promised to construct water systems to improve access to clean water, these promises remain unfulfilled. He revealed that some residents resort to fetching water from within the nearby national park, which is shared with wild animals, but they are often denied access.

The LC3 Chairperson of Bwambara Sub County Chris Kagayano, attributed the water scarcity to the government’s failure to release funds for the construction of boreholes and installation of taps. He noted that the entire sub county, especially Kateramo, Kyabahanga, Garuka, and Kafujo cells, experiences severe shortages during the dry season.

Kagayano appealed to the government to urgently intervene and offer a sustainable solution to the ongoing water crisis.

The aspiring Woman Member of Parliament for Rukungiri District Innocent Nabasa Kashobera, pledged to deliver on the needs of the people once elected. She emphasized her commitment to improving access to essential services like clean water, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Kashobera also encouraged the public to acquire practical skills in areas such as liquid soap making, jelly, baking, and other income-generating activities, which can empower families economically.