Solar-powered water project brings relief to Kasese village residents

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The residents of Ibuga village in Kasese district's Kitswamba sub-county have a reason to smile after the installation of a solar-powered water system in the area.

The area has long suffered an acute shortage of water, keeping the residents, including cattle keepers, in untold misery, such as walking long distances of about five kilometres to River Rwimi.

On June 24, 2025, a delegation from the funder, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the district leadership officially launched the project.

Ibuga LC1 vice-chairperson Amos Musasizi said for many years, their community of about 120 households has been faced with several waterborne diseases such as cholera, and diarrhoea, as well as leaving about 4,000 cows with no water to drink.

"Of late, our cows look healthy and the people have quick access to clean water," Musasizi said.

Representing the beneficiaries, Robert Kakwezi, said they had initiated a water-user committee tasked with maintaining and securing the project.

Sub-county chairperson Yofesi Katenene said despite solving the issue of water crisis in Ibuga, some other villages in the sub-county still experience a similar challenge, adding that in a year, they lose at least 500 cows due to water shortages.

"Given any other opportunity, I request the government and other organizations to still consider Kitswamba Sub-County," he said.

FAO speak out

Representing FAO at the function, Peris Muchiri, the team leader, said the water project worth shillings 3.6 billion is being implemented in Kasese, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo districts.

According to her, the project is designed to give relief to the women who could trek long routes in search of safe and clean drinking water.

"The project will come along with other opportunities to improve people's livelihoods," Muchiri said.

Unity needed

Kasese Deputy RDC in-charge of Busongora county Zepher Mubingwa, who spear-headed the commissioning of the project, called for peace and unity among the local residents in order to attract more organisations to initiate various developmental projects in the area.

"No organisation or investor can come in an area with conflicts," Mubingwa said.

He implored the residents to utilise the facility to improve their livelihoods including constructing permanent houses and educating their children among others.