How M7’s Key Water Access Intervention Diminished Diseases & Gender-Based Violence in Ngora’s Kapir Sub County

By Ben Musanje

Villages in Kapir Sub County, Ngora District, are now reporting a reduction in cases of waterborne diseases and gender-based violence following the introduction of clean running water.

Residents and officials say the new water supply system is transforming daily life, improving health, education, and livelihoods across the community.

Godwill Atim Besemese, the Senior Assistant Secretary for Kapir Sub County, explained that before the project, the most common illness in the area was diarrhea. “Now that people have running water at home, we are seeing fewer cases of sickness,” he said.

The Euro 314,563 solar-powered water supply water project, which began in August, now serves three parishes Atapar, Omuriana, and Ajesa and supplies water to four key institutions: Kapir Sub County Headquarters, Kapir Health Centre III, Kapir Primary School, and Atapar Primary School. In addition, 11 community water distribution points have been set up, allowing residents easy access to clean water.

The system, which is co-funded by the Ugandan government and UK Export Finance, is being implemented by President Museveni’s government through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoWE) via the Nexus Green Limited partnership.

The availability of clean water has also had a positive social impact. Mrs. Atim noted that women and girls no longer have to walk long distances to collect water. “This has helped reduce gender-based violence because women are not exposed to risks on long trips to fetch water. Girls can also attend school regularly instead of being sent home early to collect water,” he said.

Health officials have observed measurable improvements. Richard Opolot, Senior Clinical Officer at Kapir Health Centre III, said the facility previously reported around 100 cases of diarrhea each month.

Since the water project started, this number has fallen to approximately 50 cases per month. “Maternal and child health has also improved because women now have access to water for proper hygiene during deliveries,” Opolot said.

The water supply has also made it easier for patients to take medicines at the facility and for staff to start work on time, improving overall healthcare services.

Beyond health, the water project is supporting education and livelihoods. Children can remain in school, and women are better able to manage household responsibilities.

Meanwhile, a solar-powered irrigation system in Amukurat helps local farmers grow vegetables for the market. Atim said this initiative is increasing household incomes and contributing to development in the district.

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Charles Ebiau, Kapir Sub County Chairperson, noted that some residents continue to use unsafe shallow wells, which still contribute to waterborne diseases such as typhoid and diarrhea.

He also highlighted gaps in education and healthcare infrastructure, including a shortage of classrooms, pit latrines, and medical supplies.

Poor roads limit access to markets and services, and farmers struggle to sell their produce due to lack of training and organized markets.

“The government’s support is appreciated, but more needs to be done,” Mr. Ebiau said. “We need additional irrigation schemes, better roads, and improvements in schools and health facilities to ensure the benefits of clean water and agriculture reach everyone.”

Community leaders are optimistic about the future. Benard Odeng, LC1 Chairperson for Atapar Village in Atapar Parish, Kapir Sub County Ngora district, expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for the project and pledged to protect the gains achieved. Residents say that clean running water is not just improving health; it is changing the way they live, work, and learn.

Atim added, “This is a dream come true for Atapar and the other villages. We now have clean water in homes, children are in school, women can manage their households safely, and overall health is improving. We thank the Ministry for this support and hope the project expands to reach even more people in the district.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).