MP Aisha Manfabi , Partners Commission Five Boreholes in Water-Stressed Sironko District

As Uganda continues to grapple with limited access to clean water—with only 62% of rural households connected, according to the Ministry of Water and Environment—the Elgon region’s Sironko District remains among the hardest hit. Many residents still depend on unsafe water sources, including ponds and rivers such as the Sironko River.

In a bid to bridge the gap, Sironko District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Aisha Manfabi , joined forces with partners from One Ummah Water Wells Uganda over the weekend to commission five new boreholes across several parts of the district.

One of the beneficiary communities, Bunagawola Village, celebrated the development as a life-changing intervention. Residents shared harrowing accounts of the water crisis that has long defined their daily lives.

Mr. Gutaka Steven, the NRM Chairman of Lusalu Parish, highlighted the social toll the crisis has taken on families. “We have been experiencing domestic violence in most homes because women spent too long at water wells. This created suspicion among men, leading to constant conflict,” he revealed.

Sironko District LC5 Chairman, Mr. Nabede Alex , acknowledged that while the district’s clean water coverage is estimated at around 65%, much work remains. He praised the partnership, noting that government funds alone are insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. “Such partnerships help us a lot since the government has limited resources to cover everything,” Gunga said.

Speaking at the commissioning, Hon. Manfabi Asha Nabulo reaffirmed her commitment to improving the lives of her constituents. “Since I was elected, I have worked tirelessly to identify development partners willing to come and help my people,” she said. “As a leader, my first duty is to build a bridge between the people on the ground and to source for friends and government support to address their needs.”

The five boreholes are expected to significantly reduce water-related conflicts, improve sanitation, and restore dignity to the affected communities in Sironko District.