By Ebenezer Bifubyeka
PROLONGED drought in Mbarara district has led to the drying up of wells and boreholes, leaving people with no water for cattle and domestic use.

Besides the water crisis, the drought that commenced in October last year, has left pastures dry in most parts of the district.

The most affected areas are the counties of Bukanga, Kashari (mainly in Rubaya sub-county), Nyabushozi and Kazo.

A jerrycan of water in Kashari and Nyabushozi counties costs sh900 and sh700 respectively.

Farmers are reportedly moving from one village to another in search of water and pasture.

Johnson Katwine, a resident of Ruyonza in Rubaya sub-county, on Friday said, “The owners of the few remaining wells have deployed gunmen to guard them.”

Katwine said there was only one functional borehole at Rushozi village, which the herdsmen utilise throughout the day, denying locals a chance to draw water.

The district environment officer, Jeconious musingwire, said encroachment on the wetlands had caused the drought. He warned that all boreholes would dry up in the next five years if residents did not stop encroachment.