Led by local leaders, the residents of Ssabawaali-Magabi village dedicated themselves to cleaning water springs in Magabi and Kiteredde, which serve as the primary water sources for the community.
Residents of Musaale-Kibanda Sub-county in Kooki have embraced the Bulunji Bwansi community cleanliness initiative, aiming to improve sanitation and curb disease outbreaks.
Led by local leaders, the residents of Ssabawaali-Magabi village dedicated themselves to cleaning water springs in Magabi and Kiteredde, which serve as the primary water sources for the community.
The initiative was spearheaded by Owek. Gertrude Ssebugwawo Nakalanzi, the Kabaka's Chief in Kooki, alongside Ssettabi Nuhu, the Kabaka's representative in Musaale-Kibanda. Ssettabi emphasized the significance of clean water sources, noting that contamination poses a serious health risk to the community.
"Residents depend on these springs for drinking and household use. Cleaning them is essential in preventing waterborne diseases," he said.
Gerald Lukyamuzi, the head of sanitation in Kooki, highlighted the challenges residents face in accessing clean water, with some walking up to 15 kilometers through dense bushes to fetch it.
He raised concerns about the safety of women and children, noting that long journeys to water sources have contributed to cases of sexual violence.
"These long distances have led to an increase in teenage pregnancies and incidents of rape, as perpetrators take advantage of the vulnerable situation," Lukyamuzi said.
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Sylvia Namugumya, a resident, pointed out the poor condition of the springs, which lack protective barriers to prevent contamination.
She warned that without proper infrastructure, people risk falling into the springs, further worsening the sanitation crisis.
Steven Kyakaala, chairman of Kiteredde village, lamented the high cost of clean water, which ranges between Shs 1,500 and Shs 2,000 per jerrycan.
"This makes it difficult for many residents to afford safe drinking water, as they already struggle with financial hardships," Kyakaala said.
Despite these challenges, residents commended the Kingdom of Buganda for supporting the cleanliness drive, which has instilled a sense of responsibility for environmental care.
However, they also appealed to the government and well-wishers to invest in water infrastructure to ease their burden.
Owek. Gertrude Ssebugwawo Nakalanzi acknowledged the urgent need for clean water and pledged to report the issue to higher authorities for possible intervention.
She urged residents to uphold community cleanliness, stressing that instilling these values in children would ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
