ADJUMANI, Uganda — More than 96% of households in Uganda’s Madi Sub-Region now have access to improved water sources, according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census — a major milestone for one of the country’s most rural areas.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report, released in June 2025, found that 103,894 out of 107,531 households use protected water sources such as boreholes, piped systems, protected springs, and rainwater harvesting. Just 3.4% still rely on unimproved or surface water, including rivers, lakes, or unprotected wells.
Adjumani: Broad coverage despite refugee influx
Adjumani District, with a population of 297,894, has achieved near-universal water access even as it accommodates more than 84,000 refugees in settlements such as Nyumanzi, Pagirinya, and Ayilo. UBOS data show that both host communities and refugee camps rely heavily on boreholes and protected springs, many installed through joint government and humanitarian efforts.
Despite the water gains, sanitation has not kept pace: only 35.5% of households in the sub-region use improved toilet facilities, while 54.5% have unimproved sanitation and 9.9% still practice open defecation.
Moyo: Steady improvement in rural access
Moyo District’s 144,223 residents also benefit from high water access, with over 95% of households using improved sources. Remote sub-counties have seen new borehole installations and rainwater harvesting tanks in recent years, but UBOS notes that maintenance remains a challenge, with some communities depending on seasonal sources.
Sanitation coverage remains low, mirroring the regional average, and food insecurity continues to affect more than 60% of households.
Obongi: Gains in coverage, pressure on infrastructure
Obongi District, the smallest in the sub-region with 108,332 people, has reached similar water access levels. The district hosts refugee populations in settlements such as Maaji 3, where humanitarian agencies have installed piped water systems. However, UBOS cautions that rising demand from both host and refugee communities risks overburdening existing infrastructure.
Clean water, persistent inequalities
While water access figures are among the highest in Uganda, UBOS data show that disparities remain between rural and urban areas, and between households with electricity and those without.
The report warns that safe water does not guarantee safe sanitation or hygiene. Only 27.4% of households have handwashing facilities with soap and water — a gap that public health officials say undermines disease prevention efforts.
UBOS recommends that government and partners integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) planning to protect public health and ensure sustainability of water systems in the sub-region.
“Access to safe water in Madi is a success story, but without matching progress in sanitation and hygiene, the health benefits will remain limited,” the report said.
