In preparation for upcoming mass village sensitization meetings, significant progress has been made in fostering stakeholder engagement at Nakivale Refugee Camp’s Juru Zone. On June 15, 2023, a joint meeting of refugee leaders was successfully conducted at the Juru Sub Base Camp. The event saw the participation of notable figures, including UNHCR representatives, OPMs Office delegates, Nsamizi Staff, NWSC Team members from Mbarara, and the RWC 111 Chairman. With 26 refugee villages and six sub-zones (parishes) comprising the Juru Zone, this gathering served as a vital platform for discussions and collaborative efforts.
Nsamizi Staff commended the success of the leaders’ meetings and encouraged them to continue in this vein. They emphasized the importance of relaying the shared information to their respective communities and sought support for the upcoming village visits, which aimed to disseminate essential knowledge. Attendees were informed that the transition of utility services was necessitated by budget cuts from various donor agencies, leading to the invitation of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) by UNHCR to oversee the sustainability of existing water systems.
Representing NWSC, the Mbarara team took the opportunity to present an overview of the organization’s operations in the area, highlighting the benefits for all parties involved. During the Q&A session, various concerns were raised by the attendees. These included inquiries about the treatment of individual water connections previously established by Nsamizi, complaints about excessive chlorine levels in the water supply, requests for improved water coverage to combat disease outbreaks, the possibility of 24/7 water availability, extension of piped water to Kabahinda Cell, pleas for reduced pro-poor tariffs at PSPS, suggestions for fairer PSN selection processes, clarification on water user fees, and inquiries about sufficient operator allocation for PSPs. Rest assured, all concerns were attentively addressed by NWSC.
The UNHCR representative reinforced NWSC’s capability to maintain and enhance multiple independent water systems. They emphasized NWSC’s potential to increase water supply and improve water quality efficiently. Furthermore, they highlighted the ongoing construction of the Kagera Mega project, which will greatly benefit the community. The UNHCR representative also advocated for the absorption of experienced Nsamizi staff into NWSC’s operations. They assured the refugees that concerns regarding poorly selected PSNs would be jointly addressed with ALIGHT and other development partners.
The OPM, represented by the Juru Sub Base Camp Commandant, warmly welcomed all stakeholders to the Juru Zone Camp. He pledged the necessary support and reiterated the open-door policy for collaboration. Emphasizing the positive impact of NWSC’s presence, he urged leaders to embrace the shared mission and disseminate the message to their constituents. Additionally, he emphasized the need to protect NWSC infrastructure against vandalism and theft.
Appreciation for Government Programs: The RWC 111 Chairman expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for including the refugee community in various government programs and projects. He acknowledged that they are now benefiting on par with other Ugandans.
The stakeholder engagement at Nakivale Refugee Camp’s Juru Zone demonstrated the commitment of all parties involved in addressing the water supply and service needs of the community. With UNHCR’s support, NWSC’s expertise, and the collaborative efforts of local leaders, the camp stands to benefit from sustainable water systems and improved water quality. The OPM’s unwavering support ensures the success of these initiatives. Through ongoing engagement and partnership, the refugees’ concerns and needs will be
