Contractors of Nexus Green UK limited on the left handing over project documents to Hoima district leaders, led by Hoima RDC Rodgers Mbabazi. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)

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Local communities in Hoima district have a reason to smile after the government handed over two solar-powered water supply systems to Hoima district local government.

One of the solar-powered water supply systems is in Kyarusura village, Kibanjwa parish in Kitoba sub-county, and another is in Kigorobya town council in Hoima district.

The three-year project was funded by the government through the Ministry of Water and Environment, with a loan from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF).

The water project was implemented by Nexus Green UK Limited, with the Kyarusura project costing sh 543 million, while the Kigorobya project cost sh 626 million.

Hoima district leaders inspecting the water project. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)

Speaking as the district received the project, the Hoima district Chairman Uthuman Mugisha said the system at Kigorobya town council will supply water to Kigorobya I, Kigorobya II, Kiryandongo, Kihesi and Kisukuma areas. He added that the water system at Kyarusura will only supply water to Kyarusura village.

Mugisha said that the project in Kigorobya was just upgraded, adding that it was existing, but it was not functioning.

He commended the government for funding the construction of the water system in the area, adding that it is going to solve the challenge of water shortage in the area.

‘‘Hoima district is steadily improving on safe water coverage, and the coming on board of such systems will help us improve the lives of our people,’’  he remarked.

The Hoima Resident District Commissioner  (RDC), Rodgers Mbabazi, commended the government for working with development partners to secure funds to put up such huge water supply systems. He warned the general public against vandalising the solar system installation.

He lamented that vandalism is one of the major challenges faced by government projects such as roads, water and schools.

‘‘Let us protect these projects for sustainable use. We will deal with whoever vandalises the installations on this project. People should access safe water and have the quality of their lives improved’’ Mbabazi said.

The Hoima Chief Administrative Officer, Ssempala Emmanuel, who was represented by the senior assistant secretary, said that people should improve on sanitation and hygiene in order to have good health since they have received water.

He attributed most of the diseases suffered by the community to poor sanitation and hygiene.

Hoima district records indicate that the water department report 2025, safe water coverage has increased from 74.29 percent in 2024 to 75.07 percent in 2025.

Beneficiaries

Emmanuel Mutungyi, one of the residents, said that they have been sharing water with wild animals from the unprotected water sources, and this has been exposing them to water-borne disease.

He described the construction of solar-powered water supply systems as a big relief to the residents who have been trekking long distances to access water.

Sam Muhumuza described the construction of the water system area as a gift from God, adding that accessing water in the area has been a nightmare.