news 8 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Soroti's Ongwengai Village Celebrates First Borehole After 26 Years of Unsafe Water Reliance
Over 3,000 families in Ongwengai village, Soroti district, now have access to clean water via a new borehole after decades of using contaminated Lake Kyoga sources shared with animals. The project, funded by the government and built by AADHIRA Solutions Limited, marks the start of nine such initiatives in the district this year. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/soroti-village-gets-borehole-after-26-years-of-drinking-unclean-water-5416762
Residents of Ongwengai village in Kamuda Sub-county, Soroti district, are rejoicing after receiving their first borehole after 26 years of hardship. More than 3,000 families previously relied on unclean water from Lake Kyoga and streams for drinking and daily needs, often milky white and shared with livestock.
This exposure led to frequent waterborne diseases and dangers like crocodile attacks while fetching water. Local women, including Ms Alice Apiny and Ms Angella Aujo, expressed immense gratitude, calling it a ‘dream come true’ and proof that the government has finally acknowledged their plight.
The borehole was launched on Tuesday, constructed by AADHIRA Solutions Limited with government funding. Soroti’s district water officer, Mr Joseph Egonu, revealed it’s one of nine planned for the district this financial year at a cost of Shs 212,554,570, targeting sub-counties like Katine, Awaliwal, Gweri, Aokot, Asuret, and Kamuda by late April 2026.
To promote sustainability, a water user committee will be trained for maintenance. Mr Moses Esatu, Soroti Principal Assistant Secretary, highlighted this step, while committee chair Mr David Ewangu announced households will contribute Shs7,000 each for fencing to enhance security.
These efforts align with the Ministry of Water and Environment’s push for safe, accessible water as a human right, aiming for 100% urban and over 75% rural coverage.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)