MP Niwagaba Secures Interventions to Address Intermittent Water Supply in Nyakijumba
The Member of Parliament for Ndorwa East, Wilfred Niwagaba, has confirmed that the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has committed to addressing the longstanding water shortages affecting residents of Nyakijumba, particularly those in hilly areas who have suffered intermittent supply due to altitude differences between Makanga rain reservoirs and the community.
MP Niwagaba said the challenge has persisted because the high-altitude sections of Nyakijumba—including Rwesanziro, Nyakabungo and neighbouring areas—require stronger pressure to pump water uphill. He noted that although these areas previously had access to water, supply systems were disrupted during road rehabilitation works, worsening the situation for residents.
After engaging officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, the legislator revealed that government plans to implement key interventions to stabilise water supply. Among these is a proposal to draw water from the newly completed Kihumuro tank, which currently serves the UPDF barracks in Kihumuro. The tank was completed two months ago and has been identified as a viable alternative water source for the affected communities.
According to Niwagaba, the ministry has committed to laying up to 7 kilometres of new pipelines, with additional extensions expected. The works are projected to be completed before the end of this year, bringing much-needed relief to households that have endured years of unreliable water access.
He further disclosed that the ministry is also working to enhance water abstraction from Lake Bunyonyi, enabling the supply of larger volumes of water to communities across Kabale and Rubanda districts.
The planned interventions come at a time when the government is rolling out broader efforts to improve water access in the region. Last week, the government unveiled a Shs47 billion water supply and sanitation project aimed at expanding safe and reliable water access in Ndorwa East Constituency and neighbouring Rubanda District.
The Bugarama–Karweru Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System, implemented under the Climate Smart Water and Sanitation Investment Project (CWIP), is expected to benefit more than 43,000 residents across 117 villages in nine parishes. The project seeks to address long-standing water shortages and improve community health through enhanced sanitation infrastructure.
Officials added that the project cost also covers additional works in the Rwere–Kateretere area in Rubanda, where communities have long struggled with access to clean water.
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