Residents of Lwengo Cry Out As Water Crisis Deepens

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Residents of Lwengo Cry Out As Water Crisis Deepens
Lwengo is facing water crisis | Zainab Ssengengo

Situated in Uganda’s "dry corridor," Lwengo has been hit particularly hard by water shortages, with six of its ten sub-counties facing an acute lack of clean water.

Residents and local leaders in Lwengo District are calling on the government to urgently address the worsening water crisis that has left many walking long distances to access water, with concerns growing over the threat of waterborne diseases.

Situated in Uganda’s "dry corridor," Lwengo has been hit particularly hard by water shortages, with six of its ten sub-counties facing an acute lack of clean water.

Despite being established 14 years ago after splitting from Masaka District, residents feel that essential services, including access to clean water, have not been adequately provided.

Statistics indicate that nearly 80% of Lwengo’s population is forced to trek long distances in search of water, a burden that has led to an increase in bone-related health problems and cognitive issues caused by carrying heavy loads of water over time.

“I walk close to ten kilometers to access water, but even then, it is dirty," said Ahmed Kiseka, a resident of Kyazanga Town Council.

One of the primary water sources for residents is a pond in Ndaggwe Sub-county, serving over ten villages. However, the condition of the pond has worsened, making it more suited for animals than humans. Despite this, residents continue to rely on the contaminated water for drinking, cooking, and other domestic purposes.

“This water is dirty, but we have no choice. It’s the only source in our area, yet it smells bad and contains algae. The situation is unsuitable for human consumption,” lamented Aidah Namanda, a resident.

Community reports reveal that the water source, often referred to as a "well" by locals, is infested with dangerous snakes, raising safety concerns, especially for children who fetch water at night. Some families have already suffered losses due to snake bites.

“We sometimes wait for the snakes and animals to drink the water, especially in the afternoon,” Namanda added.

The situation is further exacerbated by the presence of predators around the water source, with Isaac Ssejjoba, the area Member of Parliament, warning that it has also become a spot where rapists prey on young girls.

"Not only snakes, but rapists use this well to assault and impregnate young girls at a tender age," Ssejjoba stated.

Frustrated residents are urging the government to restore their water sources, as previous efforts to provide piped water have yielded little to no results.

Ssejjoba has also encouraged residents to participate in community work, locally known as *bulungi bwansi*, to maintain their water sources and roads, given the government's inability to resolve the crisis effectively.

The clean water crisis extends beyond Lwengo. Neighboring districts such as Bukomansimbi, Ssembabule, Kyotera, Rakai, Lyantonde, and Kalungu are also grappling with similar water shortages, highlighting the broader regional challenge that demands urgent action.

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