Talking water: Kitgum’s 89% rural water access

According to Kitgum district statistics, there is an estimated 81 to 83 percent safe water coverage overall, with roughly 89 percent access in rural areas. 

tndNews, Uganda, also understands that more than 1,400 water points serve a population of over 217,000 people, including six piped-water schemes.

However, despite this progress, disparities remain across the district. Some urban centres such as Central Division enjoy water coverage of around 95 percent, while some sub-counties like Namokora report lower access levels.

Omiya Anyima Sub-county is among the most water-stressed areas, with more than 40 villages reportedly lacking a single safe water source.

Orom sub-county also faces serious challenges due to poor groundwater potential, rocky terrain and the high cost of drilling viable boreholes.

District officials say functionality remains another concern. While rural water point functionality is estimated at about 83 percent, at least 662 water points have reportedly been abandoned or remained non-functional for more than five years.

Frank Kidega, Secretary for Works and Technical Services at Kitgum district local government, said the district welcomes all support aimed at reducing water stress in communities.

“Water is a basic need and a key public service. When a borehole breaks down for a long period, the community suffers greatly,” Kidega said.

“We appreciate well-wishers and partners who complement government efforts, but communities must also take responsibility for protecting and maintaining these facilities.”

Kidega urged residents to strengthen local water user committees to ensure quick response when pumps develop faults. “When communities take ownership, repairs are faster and the water source serves people longer,” he added.

Kitgum District Water Officer Picho Willy said the district continues to work toward universal access to clean and safe water. “Our target is to achieve 100 percent safe water coverage by 2030,” Picho said.

“We are prioritising rehabilitation of broken water points, expanding piped systems where possible and improving management structures.”

He noted that water management in the district is shared between local water user committees and the Northern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation, which supports operation and maintenance systems.

However, officials say some user committees remain weak, with only about 49 percent functioning effectively, affecting timely fee collection and maintenance planning.

Health workers warn that when boreholes fail, families often turn to contaminated sources, increasing cases of diarrhoea, typhoid and other preventable diseases.

For residents of Yepa B, the repaired borehole means more than water. It means fewer illnesses, less time wasted walking long distances, improved hygiene and children returning to school on time.