By Shivan Ayebare
Authorities in Rukiga District have warned that people found vandalising government water infrastructure will be arrested and prosecuted following cases of damaged water pipes in Kamwezi Subcounty.
The warning was issued during a community baraza in Kibanda Parish, where the National Water and Sewerage Corporation is implementing the Shs2.1 billion Kyogo-Kibanda Water Supply Project.
NWSC Engineer in charge of Rukiga District Raymond Mushabe said the project has started supplying water to four villages in Kibanda Parish, including Kinyamozi, Rushojwa and Nyabunyungu.
Mushabe said some underground pipes have been deliberately cut by people allegedly seeking water for bricklaying and other activities. He said NWSC is working with police and other security agencies to identify those responsible.
Residents have also been warned against drawing water from damaged pipes and asked to report leaks or vandalism to NWSC.
Rukiga District Woman MP Dr Sylvia Arinaitwe said she had received photographs of damaged water infrastructure and expressed frustration that projects secured for communities were being destroyed.
Arinaitwe, a former Deputy Managing Director of NWSC, said some materials used to construct the water reservoir tanks were imported from Australia, making replacement difficult and costly.
Rukiga Resident District Commissioner Zaddok Kamusiime warned that vandalising government property carries serious legal consequences and should not be treated as an ordinary community dispute.
Rukiga County MP Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi also asked residents to report anyone suspected of damaging development projects. He pledged to continue lobbying for improved access to water, electricity and health services.
Katabaazi also cited an irrigation project in Kyondo Village, Kashambya Subcounty, which he said had stalled since 2017 but has since been revived following intervention by local leaders.
NWSC Rukiga District Branch Manager Bon Shine said the Kyogo-Kibanda project is expected to supply water to 14 villages in Kyogo and Kibanda, as well as parts of Rwamatunguru Township.
Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026.
According to Mushabe, the project has four water sources capable of producing a combined 148,900 litres per hour. Water is pumped into reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 160,000 litres before being distributed through a 32-kilometre pipeline network.
Residents who want piped water are required to apply for individual connections.
Kamwezi Subcounty LC3 Chairperson Tedison Niwagaba said piped water coverage in the area currently stands at about 80 per cent.
Niwagaba also said the area expects to benefit from a Shs5 billion irrigation scheme pledged by President Yoweri Museveni during the 2026 presidential campaign following the withdrawal of residents from wetlands.
Authorities have asked residents to protect the water infrastructure and report cases of vandalism.
