MBARARA DISTRICT POLITICAL TENSIONS THREATEN START OF RUBAYA WATER PROJECT

By Twesigye Aggrey

In Kashari Mbarara…………….

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In July 2022, the residents of Rubaya subcounty, Mbarara District, were hopeful when their district lady  councillor, Loyda Twinomujuni Muhimbuura, took steps to address the area’s chronic water shortage. Muhimbuura wrote to the Ministry of Water, seeking approval for a piped water supply system. Within just six days, the ministry responded positively, greenlighting several projects, including water supply to Rubaya, Nyabisirira Town Council, and other local schemes. However, despite this swift approval, the project has been mired in delays due to insufficient funding and local political tensions.

A letter from the Ministry of Water, dated July 21, 2022, confirmed that while many areas would receive piped water, the Nombe Dam project could not move forward due to a lack of funds. The situation was further complicated by political rivalry between Muhimbuura, who is reportedly eyeing the Mbarara District Woman MP seat in the 2026 elections, and supporters of the current MP, Margaret Ayebare Rwebyambu. This tension has created uncertainty among local residents regarding the project’s progress on their land.

Muhimbuura expressed frustration over the situation, stating that her efforts were being undermined by those questioning her abilities, but she remains determined to see the project through. Meanwhile, Rwebyambu downplayed the significance of Muhimbuura’s letter-writing initiative, emphasizing her own oversight role as MP and the government’s priorities.

With only Shs4 billion of the Shs16 billion required for the water project available, the future of the initiative remains unclear. The project, intended to serve 41 villages, was delayed by design issues and land acquisition problems, according to Eng. Enoch Mwanje, Ministry of Water Manager for Southwestern Uganda. However, he confirmed that work is now set to begin on October 10, 2024, with a completion timeline of two and a half years.

Resident District Commissioner Aminah Rukanga warned that political infighting could further stall the project, urging local leaders to focus on the needs of the community. As the start date approaches, residents of Rubaya wait anxiously, hoping that political interference will not derail their much-needed water supply.