Solar-Powered Water System Launched in Lyantonde District
A significant milestone in improving rural water access was achieved in Lyantonde District with the official handover of the Katovu-Kyemamba Solar-Powered Water Supply System. The project, a collaborative effort led by Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) and supported by the India EXIM Bank, promises to bring clean and reliable water to communities that have long faced coverage gaps.
On April 8, 2026, the MWE officially handed over the completed site to the project contractor, Shakti Pumps, marking the operational launch of the system. This initiative is a key component of a nationwide program aimed at installing solar-powered water systems in rural areas where water coverage is below 50%.
A Boost for Uganda solar water Access
The Katovu-Kyemamba project is part of a broader push to enhance infrastructure in southwestern Uganda, with similar projects being implemented in the districts of Kisoro and Rubanda. Across the country, this ambitious program has already seen the successful completion of 52 solar-powered water systems in 23 districts, transforming daily life for thousands of citizens.
The ceremonial groundbreaking and handover event was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including leaders from the Lyantonde and Lwengo District Local Governments, the Lyantonde Woman MP elect, and representatives from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and Shakti Pumps. This high-level attendance underscores the project’s importance and the collaborative spirit driving its success.
Technical Specifications and Community Impact
The newly launched system is engineered for efficiency and sustainability, harnessing the power of the sun to meet the community’s water needs.
Key components of the Katovu-Kyemamba system include:
* A Solar Pumping Booster Station: Located in Katovu, the station has a capacity of 4.9 cubic meters per hour.
* Renewable Power Source: The system is powered by 16 solar panels, each with a 335-watt capacity.
* Extensive Infrastructure: The project features approximately 800 meters of transmission lines connecting to a 65-cubic-meter reservoir tank and a distribution network of pipelines totaling around 70 kilometers.
Local bodies, including the Lyantonde District Local Government and the NWSC, will manage the system’s extensions into the communities of Katovu, Mpumudde, and Kicwamba, ensuring that the benefits of the project are widely distributed.
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment’s Project Manager, Eng. Bateganya David, this solar-powered solution not only addresses the immediate need for water but also provides a sustainable and cost-effective model for future rural development projects across Uganda. The launch in Lyantonde is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to leveraging renewable energy to achieve universal water coverage.
