Government Launches Shs 47 Billion Bugarama–Karweru Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Kabale

 

By Alex Byakatonda, Communications Officer – Kabale

 

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Water and Environment, has launched the construction of the Shs 47 billion Bugarama–Karweru Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System in Kabale District.

 

The project, implemented under the Climate Smart Water and Sanitation Investment Project (CWIP), seeks to expand access to safe water and improved sanitation while reducing community vulnerability to climate change.

 

The contract—awarded to M/S Vidas Engineering Services Company Limited under Contract No. MoWE/WRKS/2024-2025/00102—will cover nine parishes and 117 villages across the sub-counties of Maziba, Buhara, and Kyanamira in Ndorwa East Constituency.

 

According to project engineers, the Bugarama–Karweru water system is part of a larger multi-component initiative that also includes the Rwere–Kateretere project, all valued at Shs 47 billion.

 

 

The system is expected to serve a design population of 43,164 people, providing a sustainable, reliable, and adequate supply of clean water to households and institutions in the three sub-counties.

 

The water system will use both pumping and gravity flow technologies, with sources drawn from Kahama, Kashija, Kacuro springs, and Lake Bunyonyi.

 

Key components of the project include:

 

A treatment plant

 

200m³ concrete reservoirs at Mishundo Catholic Church and Keirungu COU

 

A 50m³ concrete tank at Bugarama Primary School

 

A 15m³ concrete tank at Hamubuga

 

A 40m³ steel tank mounted on a 10m tower at Omukagana

 

Construction of an office block and chemical houses

 

Extension of three-phase power lines

 

30 public standpipes

 

500 promotional yard taps in Bugarama and 800 in Karweru

 

Two institutional VIP latrines with five stances each for Bugarama and Karweru

 

Speaking during the project launch and handover, the Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, applauded Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba and Kabale Woman MP Catherine Ndamira Atwakiire for lobbying the project. He urged the contractor to prioritize local employment so residents can directly benefit.

 

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Michael Muramira Kyakashari, commended the NRM Government for prioritizing water access, saying the project will stimulate development in the constituency. He cautioned the public against vandalizing project materials for scrap.

 

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Eng. Dr. Felix Twinomucunguzi, the Assistant Commissioner for Urban Water and Sewerage Services, confirmed that the project is fully funded by the Government of Uganda.

 

He urged residents to construct proper latrine facilities to reduce sanitation-related diseases such as diarrhea. He also warned against deforestation, noting that cutting trees contributes to climate change and may negatively affect water sources.

 

Legislators Urge Proper Use of Water and Sanitation Facilities

 

Kabale Woman MP Hon. Catherine Ndamira Atwakiire highlighted that the project will also extend electricity to the area to support water pumping—an opportunity for households to connect to the power grid. She encouraged residents to avoid open defecation and make profitable use of the upcoming water supply.

 

Ndorwa East MP Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, who served as Chief Guest, said the project will finally relieve the severe water stress experienced by communities in over 117 villages. He appealed to residents to allow access through their land, protect the infrastructure, and avoid planting eucalyptus trees near water sources.

 

He also encouraged the contractor to deliver quality work within the agreed timeframe.

END