Residents and local leaders in Dangala Village, Najjembe Division, Lugazi Municipality, have raised concerns over the gradual disappearance of community spring wells, warning that many households could face severe water shortages due to the high cost of accessing piped water.
For generations, spring water has remained a vital source of clean water for many communities across Uganda, supporting households with water for drinking, cooking, and other domestic needs.
During a visit to the area, local leaders identified several spring wells that have fallen into poor condition and require urgent rehabilitation. Many of the springs are located within forested areas, where neglect, environmental degradation, and lack of maintenance have contributed to their decline.
Residents accuse authorities of focusing largely on expanding piped water systems while paying insufficient attention to protecting traditional water sources. They argue that although piped water projects are important, many low-income households remain unable to afford connection fees and monthly bills.
Salongo Mukalazi, a resident of Nsakya Village in Najjembe Division, said community structures that once protected and maintained the springs have collapsed, leaving the water sources vulnerable.
"We used to have committees that protected these wells, and government officials regularly inspected them. Today those committees no longer exist, officials no longer come, and the springs have been left to deteriorate," Mukalazi said.
Experts and community leaders acknowledge that maintaining community-managed water sources has become increasingly challenging. Volunteer committees often struggle to remain active over time due to limited resources and declining community participation.
The concerns over disappearing springs have prompted cultural activists in Buikwe District to launch a campaign aimed at protecting and restoring traditional spring water sources.
Allen Mbabazi, spokesperson for Bulamu Charity Foundation, said the initiative seeks to preserve springs because of their cultural, environmental, and traditional importance.
"We believe spring water has a special connection to nature. Traditional herbal medicine is commonly prepared using spring water because it does not contain chlorine, unlike treated tap water," Mbabazi said.
She explained that spring water naturally passes through layers of soil and rock, a process that allows it to absorb minerals while filtering out some impurities.
Beyond water conservation, Mbabazi said the campaign is also focused on promoting African cultural heritage through traditional dressing, indigenous foods, herbal practices, and supporting local talents.
She noted that neglecting such traditions has contributed to the erosion of cultural identity and indigenous knowledge.
Dangala Village Chairperson David Mugerwa welcomed the initiative, saying many residents continue to depend on spring wells because they cannot afford piped water services.
"Our community relies heavily on these wells. Many households cannot pay for piped water, so protecting these springs is essential," Mugerwa said.
Although many historically protected springs remain in use across Uganda, local governments have increasingly prioritised piped water infrastructure. In some urban areas, authorities have introduced measures to regulate or limit the use of groundwater sources in line with public health, safety, and infrastructure standards.
Residents, however, argue that protecting traditional springs remains critical, especially for communities that still depend on them as their most affordable and accessible source of water.
