Residents of Bagezza and Kibalinga sub-counties in Mubende District are set to benefit from improved access to safe and reliable water following the technical commissioning of three solar-powered piped water supply systems under the Support to Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
The newly commissioned Kibalinga-Bagezza, Kalingo-Kyakadali and Mugaju-Bagezza Water Supply Systems were implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment with funding support from the Export-Import Bank of India and the Government of Uganda. The project forms part of a nationwide initiative aimed at increasing access to safe water in rural communities across 22 districts.
For years, many residents in the project areas relied on boreholes and open water sources that were often unreliable and exposed communities to waterborne diseases. The new solar-powered systems provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution, delivering clean and safe water closer to homes, schools and other institutions.
The Kibalinga-Bagezza Water Supply System serves the villages of Kisalaba, Nkandwa, Kabirizi, Kyakasimbi, Kisombwa and Busingye. The Kalingo-Kyakadali scheme serves Kalingo, Kyakadali and Kalama villages, while the Mugaju-Bagezza scheme provides water to the communities of Mugaju, Kyamasiyare and Rwobuyinja.
The systems comprise solar-powered borehole pumps, transmission mains, elevated storage tanks, treatment facilities, distribution networks, public stand posts and yard connections, significantly improving water accessibility for the beneficiary communities.
Speaking during the technical commissioning ceremony, the Senior Manager Operations – Central Region at National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Eng. Moses Bigabwa, commended the Ministry of Water and Environment for successfully implementing the project and appreciated the continued partnership between the Ministry and NWSC in expanding access to safe water services.
He also thanked the beneficiary communities for their cooperation throughout the construction phase, noting that community support had greatly contributed to the successful completion of the schemes.
Eng. Bigabwa encouraged residents to utilize the new facilities responsibly and emphasized the importance of paying for water services to support the operation, maintenance and long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.
“The sustainability of these systems depends on collective responsibility. When communities support and protect the infrastructure, they secure reliable water services for both current and future generations,” he noted.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by district leaders led by the Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Ssali Edison, alongside the Resident District Commissioner, the LCV Chairperson, sub-county leaders and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, Mr. Ssali urged communities and stakeholders to take ownership of the water infrastructure and ensure its proper use and maintenance.
He commended the National Water and Sewerage Corporation for its technical support and partnership throughout the project implementation, noting that collaboration between the Ministry of Water and Environment, NWSC and local leaders had been critical in delivering sustainable water services to the people of Mubende District.
The project is expected to improve public health, reduce the burden of water collection particularly for women and children and create opportunities for social and economic development within the beneficiary communities.
As Uganda continues to pursue universal access to safe water and sanitation, the successful commissioning of the Mubende water supply systems represents another significant step towards improving livelihoods and building healthier, more resilient communities.
