Water shortage crisis hits Kasese
A prolonged dry spell has worsened an already critical water shortage in parts of Busongora North in Kasese district, leaving residents struggling to find water for domestic use and livestock. Data from the Kasese district water office show that water coverage across the district stands at more than 65 per cent. However, coverage in some […] The post Water shortage crisis hits Kasese appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.
Black News 
A prolonged dry spell has worsened an already critical water shortage in parts of Busongora North in Kasese district, leaving residents struggling to find water for domestic use and livestock.
Data from the Kasese district water office show that water coverage across the district stands at more than 65 per cent. However, coverage in some parts of Busongora North remains critically low at about 35 per cent.
The most affected areas include Rugendabara, Kitswamba, Kabatunda-Kirabaho town councils and Bwesumbu sub-county, where residents say many of their usual water sources have either dried up or are becoming increasingly difficult to access.
Kabugho Marida, a resident of Kabatunda-Kirabaho town council, said residents have been relying on ponds and open wells shared with animals, but the prolonged dry spell has left even these sources drying up.
She said residents are now forced to trek long distances in search of water.
“The most affected are women because their daily household activities are hindered due to lack of water,” she said.
Allen Biira, a resident of Bwesumbu sub-county, said most village water sources normally dry up between July and August, but this year the dry spell has extended into September.
She said the prolonged shortage has heightened concerns among farmers and other residents who depend on the sources for their daily needs. Measach Mukeka, Bwesumbu LC III chairperson, said some families have resorted to using contaminated wells and streams, increasing their exposure to waterborne diseases.
He appealed to district authorities and development partners to prioritise Bwesumbu in programmes aimed at extending safe water services to rural communities. The shortage is also taking a toll on public health.
Evelyn Basiimye, the officer in charge of Bwesumbu health centre III, said the facility is treating an average of 30 children with typhoid every month.
She attributed the cases to poor sanitation practices, including open defecation near water sources, which she said has historically contributed to typhoid outbreaks in the area.
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