Bugwere High School Faces Severe Water Shortage Amid Drought

Bugwere High School, a large educational institution in the Bukedi sub-region, is currently navigating a severe water crisis exacerbated by an extended dry spell.

The school, which serves over 5,500 students, has seen its ten boreholes run dry. Headmaster Mr. Azizi Walumoli attributes this to both the prolonged drought and the area’s challenging topography, which has lowered the water table significantly. “The school only gets relief when it starts to rain,” Mr. Walumoli stated, noting that even harvested rainwater in tanks is depleted.

The situation forces the administration to purchase water regularly, a costly endeavor. The school spends approximately Shs1.2 million every three days, or Shs2.4 million weekly, to obtain water through bogeys from neighboring districts. This financial strain is diverting funds that could be used for other essential school needs. “This has turned to be expensive and yet the school has a number of challenges that require financing,” Mr. Walumoli explained.

Students are experiencing disruptions as they spend considerable time pumping limited amounts of water, affecting academic activities. The school has appealed to the government, particularly the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, to extend piped water services to Bugwere High School as a permanent solution to cut down on these spiraling costs.

Local leaders and parents have echoed the call for urgent intervention, highlighting the health risks associated with inadequate water supply and the impact on the school’s overall functioning. Environmental experts suggest this crisis underscores the increasing effects of climate change on eastern Uganda.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/bugwere-school-battles-severe-water-crisis-amid-prolonged-drought-5505788