Each village with a water source is required to form a nine-member committee to manage and monitor water resources.
Led by the village chairperson, these committees are authorised to collect a monthly fee of sh1,000 from each household, which is reserved to cover maintenance costs, such as purchasing spare parts in case of breakdowns.
This community-led initiative aims to foster local involvement in maintaining water infrastructure, helping improve access to safe water.
However, many communities lack these committees, leading to neglected water sources, including boreholes and shallow wells, which often fall into bad shape.
Most of them have abandoned their work due to financial disputes- lack of accountability with residents.
Kikuube district in western Uganda has equally been significantly impacted by this trend.
Amlan Tumusiime, the Resident District Commissioner for Kikuube, said the success of this model depends on consistent committee operations and support from local leaders to ensure accountability and collaboration with residents.
Tumusiime urged water officers, village chairpersons and parish chiefs to revive these committees to help mitigate water scarcity.
Buhaguzi East MP Stephen Aseera Itaza said inadequate access to clean water can result in increased cases of waterborne diseases, which burden residents financially due to hospital visits.
They were speaking on Tuesday during a ceremony at Kakopo village, Katanga Parish, Bugambe sub-county to commission a borehole.
Itaza emphasised the need for sustainable water management, adding that partnerships with organisations such as CEED Foundation Uganda, Think Humanity Uganda and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have contributed to building 78 boreholes and 8 new spring wells in underserved areas.
These water sources, serving an estimated 54,600 residents, have been handed over to local authorities.
Itaza urged for more awareness and training for committee members to maintain the infrastructure.
The Executive Director of CEED Foundation Uganda, Herbert Asiimwe, explained that the foundation also provides training on water source management before transferring projects to communities.
He said water sources with functional water user committees never run dry.
Kikuube district has earmarked sh600m in the 2024/2025 budget for repairing boreholes, expanding water sources, and extending piped water systems to areas like Wairagaza and Buhimba Town Council.
With only 486 functional boreholes, 285 of which require repairs due to heavy use and neglect, the district has trained local water user committees to work alongside hand pump mechanics, enhancing sustainability and water access across the region.
