Kasese Municipality is grappling with a critical water shortage, raising serious concerns over hygiene, sanitation, and public health. Residents in Central and Nyamwamba Divisions—especially in Kizungu, Kanyangeya, and Nyakasanga West—are struggling to access safe water for domestic use.
Justine Kabugho, a resident of Kizungu, revealed that the crisis began in December last year, forcing many to fetch contaminated water from River Nyamwamba. “We fear outbreaks of diseases like typhoid,” she said.
The situation has worsened as some tap operators have increased water prices from UGX 100 to between UGX 300 and 500 per jerrycan, according to Esther Muhindo of Nyakasanga West. Many families, unable to afford the high costs, have resorted to unsafe water sources like ponds and rivers.
Nyamwamba Division Chairperson, Pimako Kasereka, expressed concern that if the crisis continues, it could severely impact schools when they reopen next month.
However, Andrew Muhumuza, the Kasese Branch Manager of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), assured residents that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. He stated that infrastructure work to tap water from River Kyanzutsu to the main treatment plant is nearing completion, aiming to improve water supply across the municipality.
Despite the ongoing crisis, Muhumuza noted there has been some improvement in water supply over the past year.
