Mukono Gets the First District Water Supply Services Board

Mukono District Local Government has taken a historic step toward strengthening water service delivery by convening a stakeholders’ meeting to elect the first committee of the District Water Supply Services Board (DWSSB), in line with the latest operational and management guidelines for rural water infrastructure issued by the Ministry of Water and Environment.

The establishment of the Board is aimed at enhancing oversight, accountability, and sustainability in the management of water supply systems across Mukono District. The Board will play a central role in ensuring reliable access to safe water while safeguarding water infrastructure for present and future generations.

Speaking during the meeting, the District Water Officer, Eng. Denis Nadduli Zaake, outlined key achievements made by the district in expanding access to safe water. He noted that the department has prioritized community mobilization and sensitization, successfully engaging residents in Mpatta and Nagojje Sub-counties to embrace and protect water sources.

He also highlighted the training of Water and Sanitation Committees in Mpunge, Katoogo, and Nakasuku to strengthen community ownership and sustainability of piped water systems.

Among the major milestones achieved, Eng. Nadduli cited the commissioning of water projects completed in the Financial Year 2024/2025 and the ongoing Phase II construction of the Ntunda–Kyabazaala Piped Water Supply System, which is currently at 80 percent completion. He further reported the drilling and installation of three hand pump boreholes in Nagojje and Mpatta Sub-counties, rehabilitation of 18 hand pumps across the district, and completion of the design report for the Bugombe Gravity Flow Scheme.

To enhance water safety monitoring, the district has procured a water quality meter and intensified hygiene and sanitation campaigns in Koome Sub-county through sanitation week activities and follow-up visits.

Despite these achievements, Eng. Nadduli acknowledged key challenges, including delayed release of funds, limited sector funding, land acquisition difficulties, and lengthy procurement processes. He reaffirmed the district’s commitment to expanding water coverage and strengthening sustainable water management systems.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Ms. Namboozo Fulatu, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized the importance of clean water in driving sustainable development. She noted that the formation of the District Water Supply Services Board marks a significant milestone in strengthening governance and accountability in water management.

She urged the newly elected leaders to serve with transparency, unity, and integrity, emphasizing their responsibility to oversee water facilities and ensure equitable service delivery to all communities. She assured the Board of continued district support to enable them fulfill their mandate effectively.

The Senior Environmental Health Officer for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Mr. Alibu Stephen, sensitized stakeholders on the roles and responsibilities of Water Supply and Sanitation Boards.

He explained that the Boards are mandated to procure Area Service Providers through the District Procurement and Disposal Unit under Government of Uganda procurement guidelines.

These providers will operate and maintain water systems under performance-based contracts to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

Mr. Alibu further emphasized that the Boards review and approve work plans, monitor service delivery, convene annual review meetings, appoint external auditors, and submit reports to district leadership and relevant authorities.

He also outlined the structure of Sub-County Water Supply and Sanitation Boards, which will consist of representatives from water users, institutions, technical staff, and development partners to ensure inclusive and transparent governance.

The Secretary for Works, Water and Natural Resources and District Councilor representing Nakisunga Sub-county, Hon. Robert Mwesigwa Ssentongo, welcomed the initiative, noting that the district has long advocated for stronger local leadership in water management.

He urged the new leaders to serve with integrity and cautioned against exploiting communities through illegal charges.

The Mukono District Vice Chairperson and Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera, emphasized the need for responsible management of water systems, noting that previous arrangements with external operators had imposed financial burdens on residents.

He encouraged the Board to ensure efficient and transparent management of water facilities funded by government resources.

Closing the meeting, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Mukono, Mr. Moses Muyambi, urged the newly elected leaders to serve faithfully and prioritize the needs of communities.

He called on them to work with dedication and vision to ensure clean and reliable water access in every village and discouraged leadership driven by personal interests.

During the meeting, stakeholders nominated three interim representatives from different sub-counties to serve on the Board:

Mr. Ismail Ssekisambu

Mr. Nyombi Muhammad

Ms. Nabbagala Esther

Additional members will be appointed through the District Water and Sanitation Coordination Committee and District Executive Committee to ensure inclusive representation.

The final Board composition will include representatives for Special Interest Groups, institutions such as schools and health facilities, NGOs, the District Water Officer, political leaders including a Member of Parliament, the Resident District Commissioner, and the Secretary for Works, Water and Natural Resources.

The establishment of the District Water Supply Services Board marks a major milestone in Mukono District’s efforts to strengthen water governance, enhance accountability, and ensure sustainable management of water infrastructure.

With strong leadership, community participation, and support from government and stakeholders, the Board is expected to improve the operation and maintenance of water systems, expand access to safe water, and enhance public health and socio-economic development across Mukono District.

This initiative reflects Mukono District Local Government’s commitment to delivering reliable water services and improving the quality of life for its residents through strengthened local leadership and sustainable water resource management.