Vandalism: A persistent threat to water utilities in Kotido

29 April 2025, 1:43 pm

By Joseph Logola  

Acts of vandalism and poor maintenance of water sources continue to impact access to safe and clean water for residents in Kotido District and Municipality.

A report from UMBRELLA, a consortium of government water bodies established to support the operation and maintenance of piped water systems in small towns and rural areas in Uganda, indicates that only 4,506 people out of a total population of 11,980 in Longaroe Sub-county, Kotido District, have access to clean water from some taps.

Patrick Akena, the Acting Area Manager for UMBRELLA in Kotido, states that most taps are vandalised by the local community, who then complain about the lack of access to clean water.

He adds that the vandalism of water infrastructure has resulted in reduced access to safe and clean water for many residents. Furthermore, the operational risks associated with vandalism and the theft of valuable metal pipes have led to increased maintenance costs.

His comments follow concerns raised by the residents of Longaroe Sub-county regarding the shortage of clean and safe water in the area.

The sub-county, which had 16 taps installed by UNICEF in 2022, now has only 6 functional taps.

The remaining taps are reported to have broken down due to alleged vandalism by some community members.

This has forced women and children to trek long distances in search of water.

Cecilia Namuya, a resident of Kanamwar Village, says they walk more than 12 kilometres to fetch water.

According to the residents, the ongoing outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and dysentery are due to the persistent lack of clean water.