Uganda's Safe Water Access Surpasses 71% Target, Ministry Reports

The Ministry of Water and Environment has reported a notable increase in national safe water access, reaching 73.6% by June 2026, surpassing the year’s target of 71%. This progress was announced during a parliamentary plenary session by Minister Kahinda Otafiire.

According to the report, rural water access now stands at 72%, while urban access has climbed to 75.2%. Refugee and host communities are also benefiting, with 76% coverage and high facility functionality rates. The government has made substantial efforts, rehabilitating 27 piped water systems and 1,238 rural water points, which has improved access for nearly half a million people.

Despite these achievements, Minister Otafiire acknowledged that 12,339 villages and cells, approximately 16% of the total, still lack improved safe water sources. These underserved areas are often remote, making infrastructure development costly. To address this, the Minister suggested exploring solutions like pumping water from major lakes and rivers, particularly for regions like Karamoja, to ensure long-term water security.

Members of Parliament welcomed the report but raised concerns about the remaining gaps and called for immediate action. They highlighted the necessity for more funding for boreholes, improved access to piped water, and better preparedness for natural disasters like floods and mudslides. MPs also expressed frustration over being compelled to use personal resources to procure water bowsers for their constituents, urging the ministry to provide such essential services directly to districts.

In response to concerns about disaster preparedness, the ministry has commissioned 11 new automatic weather stations, bringing the national total to 234, to enhance early warning systems. Future plans include extending water services to the unserved villages, protecting existing infrastructure, expanding water for production schemes, restoring ecosystems, and strengthening environmental monitoring.