Kyenjojo District today joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Water Day, a global observance dedicated to highlighting the importance of clean and safe water for sustainable development, public health, and economic transformation.

The celebration was held under the global theme, “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” which emphasizes the need for inclusive access to safe water and sanitation services for all communities.

 School Children entertain guests at the Kyenjojo District Water Day

Speaking during the celebrations, held at Isandara in Butiiti Sub-County, Hon Gilbert Rubaihayo, the District Chairperson, emphasized that access to clean and safe water remains a fundamental human right and a key driver of social and economic development. He noted that water is essential for good health, agriculture, education, environmental protection, and improved household incomes. He also used the occasion and called upon the community to maintain hygiene and good sanitation, maintain the available water sources, and keep cooperating with government efforts to extend safe and clean water to rural communities, even after the World Water Day.

 Hon Gilbert Rubaihayo, flanked by DEC Members Hon. Jane Aheisibwe and Hon Giscard Rusoke, addresses the congregation

He also applauded the community for overwhelmingly voting the NRM government into power, and said that the government in power will prioritize service delivery and stamping out corruption in this new term. He promised to liaise with other leaders to have a government school established in Isandara parish, to improve on the literacy levels and lessen the burden on the Private entities in the area.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Thaddeo Kasaija, further highlighted the importance of proper sanitation and handwashing practices in preventing waterborne diseases and improving community health. He urged households to maintain clean water sources and embrace responsible water usage to ensure future generations continue to benefit from safe water.

 Assistant RDC, Mr. Thaddeo Kasaija, addresses the congregation, during the World Water Day Celebrations for Kyenjojo District

The Principal Community Development Officer, Mrs Kalya Diana Mugabi, who represented the District Water Officer, applauded the community for the cooperation during the Sanitation week, and for the turnout to commemorate the day. She requested the community to keep collaborating with the government and keep paying a small fee agreed upon in the village meeting sessions they held to keep their water sources running. She also called upon leaders to enact bylaws that will help the communities in punishing those who destroy village wells and taps, thus securing and protecting their water.

The Senior Health Inspector, Mr. James Akugizibwe, also used the occasion to call upon residents to actively protect wetlands, rivers, forests, and other natural resources that serve as critical water catchment areas. Community members were encouraged to avoid activities such as bush burning, poor waste disposal, encroachment on wetlands, and deforestation, which threaten water sustainability and environmental conservation.

Families that stood out as the cleanest during the sannitation week receive gifts at the function.

Kyenjojo District has continued to make progress in extending safe water coverage to communities through the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes, protected springs, and piped water systems, as well as the promotion of proper sanitation and hygiene practices. Leaders commended development partners, technical staff, community leaders, and residents for their collective efforts to protect water sources and improve access to clean water.

As Kyenjojo District celebrates World Water Day today, the message remains clear: water is life, and every stakeholder has a responsibility to conserve, protect, and sustainably utilize this precious resource for the prosperity of present and future generations.

The district reaffirmed its commitment to working with government agencies, partners, and communities to strengthen water access, improve sanitation, and promote environmental conservation across all sub-counties and town councils.

Happy World Water Day to all the people of Kyenjojo District and Uganda at large.