Uganda government accelerates efforts to achieve SDG 6 on water and sanitation

As the nation moves to attain the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on water and sanitation, the Ugandan government, under the leadership of Vice President Jessica Alupo, is fast-tracking the implementation of measures aimed at ensuring universal access to clean and safe water.

Speaking at the 40th-anniversary celebration of Water Aid, Vice President Alupo emphasized the government’s commitment to SDG 6, considering it a central goal in the broader 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

She highlighted the allocation of resources to the rural and urban water supply sub-program under the Human Capital Development program as a testament to this commitment.

Alupo acknowledged the progress made, noting that since 1986, access to safe water has significantly improved. Today, 72.3% of the urban population and 67% of the rural population have access to safely managed drinking water services. However, she stressed that there is still work to be done to achieve universal access.

The government has completed gravity flow schemes at Lirima in Manafwa, Lukalu-Kabasanda in Butambala, and Nyabuhikye-Kikyenke in Ibanda. Piped water systems have also been constructed in various areas, including Nyakabingo in Rukungiri, Kabuyanda in Isingiro, and the Orom Water Supply System in Kitgum-Lamwo.

To accelerate progress, Alupo announced the allocation of resources for the construction of 1,540 boreholes in 1,050 villages and town wards, along with the development of large, medium, and small piped water schemes in both urban and rural areas.

In her commitment to advancing the water agenda, Vice President Alupo accepted the role of a water champion and pledged to work at the highest political level in East Africa and the African Union. She aims to collaborate with the president responsible for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) at the AU.