A standoff has escalated between Kisoro District officials and the Ministry of Water and Environment over delays, negligence, and alleged mismanagement of the Shs 66.34 billion Rubuguri Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
The project, which has seen minimal progress since its inception in 2018, aims to provide safe and reliable water access to multiple sub-counties in Kisoro District. Funded by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Water and Environment and contracted to KAAGA and its partners, the initiative includes two major water schemes:
One from Lake Mulehe, intended to serve Kanaba, Nyundo, Nyakabande, Bukimbiri.
Another from Lake Mutanda, aimed at supplying Nkuringo, Nyabwishenya, Rubuguri, Kirundo, and nearby areas.
During a heated stakeholders’ meeting held yesterday at the Kisoro District Headquarters, local officials accused the ministry of prolonged delays, negligence, and broken promises — all contributing to chronic water shortages that have persisted for decades.
Bishubeho Louis, LCV Councilor for Kirundo Sub-county, voiced frustration over the ministry’s inaction, warning that continued delays were putting residents at serious risk.
Mutambuzi Fred Kanyaruju, LC3 Chairperson for Nyundo Sub-county, criticized the project’s design, saying Nyundo — which hosts both Lake Mulehe and Lake Mutanda — was being unfairly excluded from the beneficiary map. He warned that unless the map is revised, water will not be allowed to be distributed from the sub-county.
Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro District LCV Chairperson, condemned what he termed “fake promises” from the ministry and warned that it would be a national embarrassment if officials returned in another five years to revisit the same uncompleted project.
John Nizeyimana, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, suggested that the delays could be politically motivated. He called for unity and collaboration among district leaders to ensure proper follow-up and monitoring of the project.
In response, Babra Nanyombi, an engineer from the Ministry of Water and Environment, urged patience. She reassured stakeholders that services would eventually be delivered and asked them to refrain from complaining before actual construction work has commenced.
