Households in Arua without pit latrines risk arrest

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During World Water Day celebrations in Logiri sub-county, Arua district, on March 22, 2025, Swaib Toko, the resident district commissioner (RDC) of Arua, vowed to arrest households without pit latrines, blaming them for unsanitary conditions that expose others to faecal contamination.

Toko urged men to clear overgrown grass near water sources, including springs and wells, stating that some women defecate near these areas while fetching water for domestic use. He also warned that any politician or individual who intervenes to secure the release of someone arrested for lacking a toilet would also be detained as a deterrent to others.

"It is not good to defecate outside, contaminating the environment and spreading diseases, which forces the government to spend more money on preventable illnesses," Toko said.

Swaib Toko (third left in a blue shirt) resident district commissioner for Arua district looks at one of the infected Banana suckers displayed by Kefa Ondoma (right in blue T-shirt) Banana farmer in Logiri sub-county Arua district. (Photo by Bosco King)

Water coverage in Arua

Patrick Odongo, the Arua district water officer, noted that clean water coverage in Arua District stands at 56%, which is below the national average.

He explained that coverage varies across sub-counties, with Logiri sub-county at 45.95%, Vurra at 44.5%, Arivu at 72.45%, and Ajia at 73.8%.

Leading up to World Water Day on March 22, various activities were conducted, including cleaning exercises in Adraka and Logiri trading centres. This year’s celebrations were held under the theme: "Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods."

Odongo noted that while several boreholes have been drilled in the district, many have broken down due to poor community maintenance. He explained that a typical borehole lasts about three years before requiring repairs, but many residents expect the government to handle all maintenance, which he described as an unsustainable practice.

In the 2025/2026 financial year, the district plans to invest sh700m in improving water access in Logiri sub-county, particularly through a piped water system at Goli. To prevent borehole damage, Odongo stressed the need for fencing around them, with oversight from water user committees.

Martha Ahumuza, an advisor at GIZ, emphasised that water is a fundamental resource essential for daily life. However, she acknowledged that Arua is struggling to provide clean water access. She reassured residents that GIZ, as a development partner working with the district, will continue striving to ensure safe water for all.