Lack of safe water access sparks health, safety fears in Hoima

HOIMA - Residents of Buyanja parish in Buraru sub-county, Bugahya Constituency, Hoima district, have raised concerns over the lack of access to clean and safe water.

Women and children are forced to trek over 14 kilometres in search of drinking water due to an acute shortage in the area.

Tomas Mugisa, a resident of Kikara I village, described accessing clean water as a nightmare.

He explained that despite a population of over 40 residents, the village relies on a single borehole located far away in Kikara II. As a result, many residents are forced to fetch water from Kagyebe swamp.

He noted that despite repeated appeals to sub-county leaders for a water source, their concerns have been ignored.

He urged the government to provide accessible clean water within the locality to prevent residents from consuming contaminated water.

Gerard Kusemerwa said the crisis worsens during the dry season, forcing people to struggle daily for water. He added that the situation has led to cases of chest pain and, tragically, some girls being raped on their way to fetch water.

He also expressed concern that residents share water sources with wild animals such as foxes, monkeys, and baboons, as well as livestock.

He warned that these conditions put residents at risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as typhoid, malaria, and cholera.

He emphasised that the area lacks boreholes or shallow wells and that residents’ repeated pleas for intervention have gone unanswered.

Solomon Kayemba highlighted how the water shortage has fueled domestic violence, as men often assault their wives for returning home late—forgetting the long journey required to fetch water.

She urged the government to address the water crisis for the safety of women and children.

He noted that local leaders, including the area MP, had promised to construct water sources, but nothing has been done to date.

Robert Mwanga, the Buraru sub-county chairperson, acknowledged the crisis, stating that most residents in the sub-county lack access to safe and clean water.

He explained that the sub-county lacks the funds to construct boreholes, adding that the only existing borehole, built by the district a decade ago, occasionally dries up due to overuse.

"We are stuck with no alternatives because there is nothing we can do to improve water accessibility. People are now forced to share water with animals in ponds," he said.