Residents of Busimbi-Kasimbi Village in Busimbi Division, Mityana Municipality, have welcomed a new clean water project established by the Hemba Africa Foundation, describing it as a life-changing intervention after years of struggling to access safe and reliable water.
The foundation has also constructed modern toilet facilities at Salvation Christian School, a move aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation for learners and staff while reducing the risk of diseases associated with poor sanitation.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Guest of Honour, Adome Francis Lorika, said access to clean water remains one of the biggest challenges facing many communities across Uganda, including Karamoja.
"Water is not a luxury but a basic necessity for every community. Lack of clean water affects health, education and livelihoods. Children often miss school because they spend hours searching for water, while families remain vulnerable to preventable diseases," Lorika said.
He commended the Hemba Africa Foundation for extending clean water services to underserved communities, noting that such partnerships complement government efforts to improve people's welfare.
"I encourage residents to safeguard this water source and other community facilities. Development can only be sustained when communities take responsibility for protecting what has been provided," he added.
Lorika further noted that the new water source will not only provide safe drinking water but will also support small-scale farming activities, improve hygiene and reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases. He urged residents, especially children, to embrace proper sanitation and cleanliness practices.
Residents said the project has brought renewed hope after years of depending on unsafe and distant water sources.
Joseph Robert Kagwa, one of the beneficiaries, said the community had endured enormous challenges in accessing clean water.
"For many years we walked long distances in search of water, and at times we were forced to use unsafe sources. This project has brought great relief to our community, and we are grateful for the support," he said.
The proprietor of Salvation Christian School, Michael Simbwa, also applauded the foundation for constructing modern sanitation facilities alongside the water project.
"The new toilets and clean water supply have greatly improved the learning environment at our school. They will help protect our pupils from diseases associated with poor sanitation and provide them with a healthier place to study," Simbwa said.
Community members have pledged to work together to maintain the facilities and ensure that future generations continue benefiting from the clean water source and improved sanitation infrastructure.
The intervention highlights the growing role of community-driven and NGO-led partnerships in addressing basic service delivery gaps in urban and peri-urban areas of Uganda, particularly in water access and hygiene infrastructure.
