Budaka locals in dire need of clean water

Residents in Naboa Village fetch water from one of the unprotected springs. PHOTO/ MUDANGHA KOLYANGHA
What you need to know:
- The district water coverage as of 2023 stood at 75.1 percent whereas Naboa Village stood at 81 percent. The village has 36 functional boreholes and four protected springs.
- All the unprotected springs that the community fetches water from are full of algae and, at different levels, we share these wells with animals,” he said.– Mr James Kamya [58], a Resident of Nakatende Village, Bunyekero Parish.
In the remote villages under Naboa Town Council in Budaka District, eastern Uganda, the struggle to access clean and safe drinking water has persisted for generations. Despite various development efforts across the 21 villages, many households continue to rely on unsafe water sources such as open wells, ponds, and unprotected springs, exposing communities to water-borne diseases and perpetuating cycles of poverty and poor health. The district water coverage as per 2023 stands at 75.1 percent whereas Naboa Village stands at 81 percent. The village has 36 functional boreholes and four protected springs. Mr Jimmy Mbulaka, a Resident of Nangeye, said despite the district drilling boreholes in the area, they remain dry because of the low water table. “Most of the boreholes that you see standing have no water, ” Mr Mbulaka said, adding that most people in the area fetch water from Namatala River and other unprotected water sources.
“The situation has been complicated with the underlying rocks in this area that make the drilling more complicated,” he said. The most affected parishes are Nangeye, Bunyekero, Lupada and Naboa, where locals go thirsty because of lack of access to safe and clean water. Residents wonder why Naboa Town Council was not included to benefit from Mbale-Tirinyi piped line. “It’s so annoying to hear that Naboa, a Town Council that is grappling with water challenges, has not been connected to the water grid that is to run from Mbale to Kibuku. This was quite unfortunate,” he said.
Inadequate safe water sources
As the population increases and climate change causes unpredictable rainfall patterns, the protected water sources are also becoming more inadequate, leaving families in the area with no choice but to rely on unsafe water. “The water we get from the well is not clean, but it’s all we have. My children have suffered from stomach illnesses because of it, and we have no other options,” Ms Janet Naula, a Resident, said. With the absence of proper water infrastructure and reliable sources, the Daily Monitor learnt that water-borne diseases have become widespread. Naboa Health Centre III, found in the area, is overwhelmed with cases of diarrhoea and typhoid, all of which are linked to poor water quality. “We are seeing a significant rise in water-related illnesses, especially during the dry season when water sources are more likely to become contaminated,” Mr Samuel Lyadda, the In-charge of Naboa Health Centre, said.
Children also miss school because of illness, and parents especially mothers, are constantly burdened with the task of securing water for their families. “We don’t have enough time to work or take care of our families because we are always searching for water, ” a 45-year-old Ms Janet Nabwire, a mother of three children, told Daily Monitor. Mr James Kamya,58, a resident of Nakatende Village, Bunyekero Parish, said the current situation of lacking access to safe and clean water has increased poverty due to rampant sickness. “All the unprotected springs that the community fetches water from are full of algae and, at different levels, we share these wells with animals,” he said. Mr Kamya lashed out at the leaders for doing nothing to support the communities in the areas of water. “They are waiting for the campaign period to come with their empty promises. Enough is enough,” he said.
Mr Isaac Kamulali, a Resident of Bulabya Village, said the springs are full of frogs, and to make it worse, the water is contaminated with running water, especially during this rainy season. “It’s unfortunate that we are not on the grid. What would be the essence of passing the line in Naboa, yet we are not beneficiaries,” he wondered. The Bunyekero Village LC1 chairman, Mr Robert Kasolo, said communities trek long distances to fetch water from unprotected springs. “The town council is the most hit with water challenges in the district. It requires special attention because of the topography-underlying rocks that make it hard for borehole drilling,” he said.
‘Deaf’ leaders
Mr Amos Lyadda, the Nangeye LC1 chairperson, said Naboa is also part of Budaka, but unfortunately, leaders are not listening to the concerns of the communities. “The leaders should listen to the concerns raised by the communities, other than simply keeping quiet,” he said. The district councillor representing youth, Mr Robert Gawaya, said the community has suffered for quite a long time due to lack of access to clean and safe water. The LC3 chairman, Mr George Nzogi Tegule, said lack of clean water is not only a health issue but also an economic one. The district LC5 chairman, Mr Emmanuel Pajje, acknowledged the challenge of a lack of access to clean water but said the district will handle it. “The district is doing its part to see that Naboa has access to safe and clean water. But this shouldn't be mixed with cheap politics,” he said.
>>>Stay updated by following our WhatsApp and Telegram channels; Daily Monitor Telegram channel Daily Monitor WhatsApp Channel