The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has repaired 44 boreholes in Amuru and Nwoya districts, restoring a vital source of clean water to schools, health centres and densely populated communities. The work formed part of Tarehe-Sita commemorations, during which UPDF units undertake civic projects to thank residents for their historical support.
UPDF repairs boreholes in Amuru and Nwoya
The repairs were handed over to local communities on 30 December 2025. Of the 44 boreholes restored, 32 were in Amuru and the remainder in Nwoya. Col. Nathan Bainomugisha, commander of the 501 Battalion that covers the two districts, attended the handover and said the initiative was intended to give back to communities who supported national defence efforts from the NRA era to the present UPDF.
This is one of our Tarehe-Sita activities, where we return to communities to thank them for their support, Col. Bainomugisha said as he inspected a repaired borehole at Wii Lacic village in Lii sub-county, Nwoya. He added that Tarehe-Sita projects include repairing boreholes, clearing roads, cleaning towns and running medical camps.
Local leaders praised the programme. Amuru district chair Michael Lakony said the district lacks the budget to repair all broken water points and welcomed the armys intervention. He noted that a single borehole repair costs about seven million shillings, a figure that stretches district resources.
Residents described immediate benefits. Betty Auma of Wii Lacic village said the repaired borehole ended daily treks to distant wells and reduced reliance on unprotected water sources shared with animals. We used to treat water with a guard before drinking; now we have cleaner water nearby, she said. Communities have formed water source committees to collect modest contributions from users to fund future maintenance.
Local council leaders also used the event to stress further needs. Ciprian Kibwola, LC1 chair of Abong Dyang cell in Amuru town council, said about 280 households rely on a single repaired borehole and called on government to invest in piped town water to reduce time spent queuing and improve hygiene.
Col. Bainomugisha thanked residents for supporting UPDF operations, including providing information during efforts against the LRA and assisting actions against illegal charcoal burning, logging and incursions by pastoralist groups. He urged communities to embrace government poverty alleviation programmes such as EMYOOGA, UWEP, the Youth Livelihood Programme and Parish Development Model to improve household incomes.
While the repairs mark a short-term improvement in access to safe water, district officials and community representatives highlighted the need for sustainable investment. Regular maintenance, community management and additional funding for piped systems will be necessary to guarantee long-term resilience and public health gains.
The borehole repairs illustrate a model of military-led civic engagement that can quickly restore essential services in underserved areas. As the new water committees begin routine upkeep and user contributions, officials and residents hope the restored wells will deliver consistent benefits for schools, clinics and households across Amuru and Nwoya.
Image credit: Jackson Kitara / New Vision
Key Takeaways:
- UPDF repaired 44 boreholes across Amuru and Nwoya, restoring water access to schools, health centres and communities.
- Delivery formed part of Tarehe-Sita community activities led by Col. Nathan Bainomugisha to thank residents for long-standing support.
- Local leaders welcomed the work; district officials noted repair cost of about seven million shillings per borehole and urged investment in piped water.
- Communities formed water committees to manage upkeep and collect user contributions for future maintenance.
