Empowering Communities: Buramule Solar-Powered Water Resource to Transform Lives in Ntoroko District

Posted on 6 June 2024

WWF Uganda commissioned Buramule Solar-Powered Water Resource in Ntoroko district. With a capacity of 165,600 liters per hour, the facility serves approximately 284 households and provides water for over 3,450 animals daily, effectively addressing both domestic and agricultural needs as well as significantly improving access to clean drinking water in the area.

According to the project manager, Silver Birungi, the primary objective of the Buramule Solar-Powered Water Resource is to foster the sustainable management of water resources in the Albertine Rift region.

“The access to clean water will not only improved community members’ health and hygiene but also reduced the conflicts they have had with wildlife over water sources,” he said, adding that mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, ensuring access to clean water, and supporting community livelihoods, the tremendous efforts will to enhance the well-being of local residents.

For the community members, the project strikes a ray of hope as it comes with immediate solutions to their long-standing challenges of clean water and attacks from wildlife while accessing River Semlik for both water for domestic use and livestock.

“The Solar-Powered Water Resource has truly changed our lives,” says Jane Atuhaire, a local community member. “We no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water, and our livestock now have a reliable water source. This project has brought so much relief to our community.”
The initiative includes the restoration of a 4-kilometer buffer zone along River Semliki, integrating indigenous and fruit trees to prevent silting and promote biodiversity.

The Local Council V Chairperson of Ntoroko district, William Kasoro underscored need for the continuous community participation and ownership of the project for its sustainability stating that before the project's implementation, the community had grappled with various challenges, including human-wildlife conflicts exacerbated by attacks from crocodiles in River Semliki, as well as a lack of clean drinking water and the adverse effects of climate change.

With financial support from Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), WWF is implementing “Leading the Change II” project with a focus on Rich biodiversity and thriving ecosystems where people and communities are equitably exercising and enjoying their right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. WWF is aiming to further enable and unleash the power of working in CSO partnerships to enhance democracy, human rights and nature conservation.

The project is being implemented in the four protected areas (PA) sub landscapes of; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kalinzu-Queen-Maramagambo National Park (QENP), Semuliki river basin, and Bugoma forest reserve.

WWF officials led by the Country Director together Ntoroko District Officials and other community members at the water facility