Over 3,000 Face Health Crisis Due to Lack of Sanitation Facilities

3,000 residents in Masaka District lack sanitation facilities, leading to open defecation and contaminated water consumption.

A public health emergency is unfolding in Masaka District's fishing communities along Bukakata and Lambu landing sites, where approximately 3,000 residents lack access to basic sanitation facilities, forcing them to practice open defecation and consume contaminated water. The crisis emerged during a security meeting convened by Deputy RDC Robert Kambugu, joined by police representatives and community leaders.  

Residents from Bukakata, Lambu, Kaziru, and Sunga landing sites reported severe health complications, including waterborne diseases, due to:  Complete absence of pit latrines and sanitation facilities. Direct consumption of lake water without treatment. Accumulation of waste in living areas  

 
Deputy RDC Kambugu condemned local leaders' negligence: "Leaders have failed to address these fundamental issues while residents suffer." He revealed that Parish Development Model (PDM) funds remain undistributed due to bureaucratic delays and misuse concerns.  

Herman Juuko, area chairperson, confirmed rampant disease outbreaks: "Our people have no choice but to use the lake for all needs—bathing, drinking, and sanitation."  

Residents highlighted additional challenges: Harassment by illegal lake users and land grabbers. Requests for legal education on land rights. Demands for construction of at least 10 communal sanitation facilities  

Police representative Rogers Kabanda pledged to conduct legal awareness sessions, particularly on land rights, while Deputy RDC Kambugu urged residents to support government-aligned leaders to ensure their voices are heard.