KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – Residents of Makerere III Parish in Kawempe Division have welcomed the renovation of their community water source and repairs to an access road in Kiggundu Zone, saying the intervention will help reduce the risk of consuming contaminated water, especially during rainy seasons.
The works were commissioned on October 21, 2026, following efforts by Makerere III Parish councillor Jjingo Enock and Kiggundu Zone LC1 chairperson Kibuuka Paul, who mobilised support to improve access to the water source and the surrounding road.
The leaders secured heavy-duty concrete culverts and lobbied Tecno 3 Construction Company Ltd, which is currently working on the Bombo-Gulu highway reconstruction project near the Northern Bypass flyover in Bwaise, to provide earth-moving equipment for the works.
The intervention involved desilting the water source, replacing old, undersized culverts with larger ones and improving the community access road to ease movement and drainage.
Residents said the water source had been exposed to contamination whenever heavy rains caused flash floods from Makerere University hill, carrying dirty water into the spring and threatening the health of people who depend on it.
During a visit to the site, dozens of children were seen carrying small jerrycans to collect water from the source, whose outlet was submerged in visibly brown, dirty water.
Nakanwagi Sarah, a resident, thanked the councillor and LC1 chairperson for responding to the community’s concerns but called on the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to establish a modern, reliable water supply system in the parish.
She said residents, including children, frequently seek treatment at Kawaala Health Centre III and Mulago National Referral Hospital for illnesses they associate with unsafe water.
Other residents, Mujuni Peter and Lubega Mugagaki, said KCCA has a responsibility to ensure communities have access to safe water, noting that reliable piped water supplies would help protect public health.
They urged city authorities to prioritise improved water infrastructure in the area to reduce residents’ dependence on a spring vulnerable to contamination during heavy rains.
The road leading from Twin Tower Hotel, opposite Kolping Hotel in Bwaise, into the interior of Kiggundu Zone behind Pastor Senyonga’s Christian Life Church had also become difficult to use because of flooding.
Residents expressed optimism that the road repairs and improved drainage would ease movement, particularly during rainy weather, when some sections become inaccessible.
Makerere III Parish comprises Sebina, Kibe, Dobbi and Good Hope zones, which residents say are frequently affected by flooding whenever it rains.
While the repairs are expected to improve access to the water source and the community road, residents say a permanent solution will require investment in safe piped water, proper drainage and flood-control infrastructure.
