The Water Crisis in Kampala: A Mirror of Uganda’s Governance Failure

When MPs Pocket Millions but Citizens Drink from Wells—What Does This Say About Our Priorities?

Byline: Alexander Luyima | Activist | Socio-Political Analyst (African Governance) | Director, Community Programs and Information (ADSON) | April 12, 2025

A Capital City with Third-World Problems

In Kigaga Zone, Salama—Kampala, just kilometers away from Parliament and the headquarters of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), women and children still queue at open wells for water. This is not a remote village in Karamoja; this is Uganda’s capital.

“If Kampala struggles, what hope is there for villages in Kasese or Kotido?” asks Mariam Nalubega, a resident of Kigaga. “We see MPs drive past in their luxury cars, but no one stops to ask why we still drink from dirty water sources.”

The irony is glaring: the same government that can ‘afford’ Shs 100 million per MP to pass the Coffee Bill cannot ensure a basic human right—clean water.

But the water crisis is just the tip of the iceberg. Salama Road is a painful case study of what happens when a government ignores its own people. The area grapples daily with:

Uncollected garbage and overflowing trenches that flood homes during every downpour.

Skyrocketing unemployment that forces youth into boda boda work, idle corners, or worse—crime.

Dilapidated schools and clinics that leave children under-educated and patients untreated.

Power outages and water rationing, while politicians enjoy tax-funded luxury.

Insecurity due to drug abuse and theft, all while streetlights remain broken and police posts underfunded.

This is not misfortune—it is manufactured misery. A deliberate outcome of policy neglect, budget theft, and empty promises.

Corruption Over Compassion: The Ugandan Paradox

Recent revelations about MPs receiving millions to pass legislation have exposed a painful truth—Uganda’s leadership prioritizes political survival over public service.

“How can we trust a system where bribes are institutionalized while water pumps remain broken?” argues Dr. Patrick Mugambwa, a governance expert. “This isn’t just negligence; it’s a betrayal of the people’s trust.”

Statistics from the Ministry of Water and Environment show:

Only 65% of urban areas have reliable access to clean water.

In rural regions, coverage drops to 32%, forcing millions to rely on unsafe sources.

Yet, in the same country:

MPs earn millions in ‘service awards’ for rubber-stamping bills.

Billions vanish in ghost water projects, while communities beg for functional boreholes.

Beyond Kampala: A Nation Thirsty for Change

If the capital suffers, the situation in Karamoja, Bundibugyo, and Busoga is catastrophic. Women walk 10–15 km daily to fetch water, children miss school, and clinics fill with cholera and dysentery cases.

“We are tired of promises,” says Robert Okello, a community leader in Napak. “Every election, they come with pledges. After voting, they disappear—just like the water they promised.”

What Must Be Done? A Call to Action

1. #ReturnTheMoneyMPs – MPs who took Shs 100 million for the Coffee Bill must redirect those funds to water projects.

2. Independent Audits – NWSC and the Ministry of Water must publicly account for all allocated funds.

3. Grassroots Mobilization – Communities should document and expose failed water projects using social media and petitions.

4. Policy Over Politics – Parliament must pass laws criminalizing neglect of essential services.

“The solution isn’t more money—it’s integrity,” says Julius Ssekitoleko, an anti-corruption activist. “If we can pay MPs to sit, why can’t we pay engineers to fix our water systems?”

Final Word: #WaterIsLife—But Only If Leaders Care

The crisis in Kigaga Zone is not an accident—it’s a direct result of failed governance. Uganda doesn’t lack resources; it lacks leadership with a conscience.

#UgandaWaterCrisis #MPsPayBack #FixOurWaterNow #CleanWaterForAll #AccountabilityFirst

What’s Your Take? Should MPs who took the Shs 100 million return it to fund water projects? Comment below or tag your MP!