Kakumiro wetland encroachment endangering multi-million water project
Kibuuka expressed a concern that the rate at which wetlands and forest cover are being encroached on in the district is worrying.
Francis Kibuuka, the Resident District Commissioner of Kakumiro district interacting with engineers about the water Pump station. (Photos by Peter Abaanabasazi)
By Peter Abaanabasazi
Journalists @New Vision
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Kakumiro Resident District Commissioner Francis Kibuuka has directed all wetland and catchment encroachers to leave to ensure protection and survival of a shillings 10.5 billion water project.
Kibuuka expressed a concern that the rate at which wetlands and forest cover are being encroached on in the district is worrying.
He made the directive on Thursday, September 18, 2025, while commissioning a solar-powered piped water project worth shillings 10.5 billion constructed by the Government through the water ministry in Kikwaya village in Kikwaya sub-county.
He expressed dismay that several farmers are growing rice, maize and Yams in most wetlands, which, according to him, negatively impact the water tables and leave such projects unfunctional.
He was surprised that the area where the project is situated is being degraded by people who have planted several crops, including maize, yams, and beans, and that the area leaders are not concerned.
Shakti Pumps (i) Ltd And International Energy Technik Contractors Speaking At The Commissioning Of The Project 
He urged the leaders to sensitise the local communities to understand the impact of encroaching on such sensitive ecological areas and to vacate these areas willingly before they resort to forceful eviction.
“The Government has invested a lot of money to put up this project, if people continue to degrade these water catchment areas, the water table will dry up and leave the project unfunctional and will not serve its intended purpose”.
However, Kikuuka commended the Government for giving people water and challenged the residents to jealously guard the project for sustainability.
Ministry principal engineer and project manager for Rural water supply and sanitation development, David Bateganywa, said the project is going to Kikwaya, Birembo, Kakindo sub-counties and Igayaza town council.
He noted that the project is funded by the Government with funding from India Exim Bank and implemented by Shakti Pumps (I) LTD and International Energy Technik.
He noted that the project has seven pump stations and five reservoirs, adding that the project is solar-powered and has the capacity to provide water to the population for more than 20 years.