water 1 October 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Uganda Achieves Over 73% Safe Water Access, Exceeding National Target
Uganda's national safe water access has surpassed the 71% target, reaching 73.6% by June 2026, according to a performance report presented to Parliament. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain in reaching remote and underserved communities. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4645/ministry-surpasses-71-cent-safe-water-access
The Ministry of Water and Environment has reported a significant achievement in expanding safe water access across Uganda, with national coverage rising from 71.2% to 73.6%, surpassing the annual target of 71%. This advancement was detailed in a performance report presented to Parliament by Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Kahinda Otafiire.
Key figures indicate that rural water access now stands at 72%, urban access at 75.2%, and coverage in refugee and host communities reached 76%. The report also highlighted the functionality of water facilities, with rates of 85% in rural areas, 92% in urban settings, and 91% in refugee-affected zones. The government’s efforts included rehabilitating 27 piped water systems and 1,238 rural water points, restoring access for nearly half a million people.
However, the report acknowledged that 12,339 villages and cells, out of the total 77,225, still lack access to any improved safe water source. These unserved areas are often remote and sparsely populated, making infrastructure development costly. Minister Otafiire proposed exploring large-scale solutions, such as pumping water from major lakes and rivers to regions like Karamoja, to provide sustainable long-term water solutions.
Members of Parliament lauded the progress but urged for immediate action on critical issues. Concerns were raised regarding the need for more boreholes, improved access to piped water, and preparedness for natural disasters like floods and mudslides. MPs also stressed the ministry’s responsibility to provide essential services like water bowsers to districts, rather than relying on parliamentary resources.
In response to disaster preparedness, the ministry has commissioned 11 automatic weather stations, bringing the national total to 234, to enhance early warning systems. Future plans include extending water services to the remaining unserved villages, protecting existing infrastructure, and strengthening environmental monitoring.
Source: Parliament of Uganda