Protests halt Kyegegwa water project construction

18 March 2025, 16:23

By Noah Kasangaki Ateenyi

The construction of the Nyakatoma-Rwahunga Solar-Powered Water Supply System in Kyegegwa district has been halted due to protests from local residents. The community is opposing the planned relocation of a water reservoir from Kahungera hill to Kijwiga village. Despite efforts to address their concerns, tensions remain high, resulting in the temporary suspension of the project.

Construction work on the Nyakatoma-Rwahunga Solar-Powered Piped Water Supply System in Mpara sub county, Kyegegwa district, has been halted following protests from local residents over the planned relocation of a water reservoir.

On 20 February 2025, residents stormed the office of the LC3 Chairperson for the area, Joshua Baryomunsi, to protest allegations that the water reservoir was to be moved from its originally proposed location on Kahungera hill to Kijwiga village.

Although work had resumed after the initial protest, tensions flared again this morning when locals took action to block casual labourers from M/S Shakti Pumps India Ltd., the company awarded the $1.2 million contract.

Richard Duramundu, the site’s technical supervisor, spoke to a reporter from Kyaka FM, expressing frustration that his team had been insulted, their tools confiscated, and some workers subjected to mistreatment.

The situation escalated, prompting the intervention of Sarah Nakacwa, the Assistant District Water Engineer for Kyegegwa. She arrived at the site under heavy security provided by Mpara Police Station.

Addressing the crowd, Nakacwa explained that the design for the project had been revised, and the Ministry of Water and Environment had made the decision to relocate the reservoir to Kijwiga due to its higher altitude compared to Kahungera hill.

Nakacwa further informed the residents that the Ministry of Water and Environment had decided to temporarily halt the project in order to secure the Kijwiga site for the new water reservoir.

However, local residents, including LC3 Chairperson Joshua Baryomunsi, remained dissatisfied with the proposed Kijwiga site. They accused both the technical and political leadership of the district of failing to communicate effectively, leading to an information gap.