The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), through the Multi-purpose and Bulk Water Development (MBWD) Regional Centre West, together with stakeholders from Mbarara and Kiruhura Districts, conducted a joint inspection of the Kyenshama Earth Dam and its associated water supply facilities on 28 August 2026.
The inspection was undertaken to assess the functionality and condition of the completed works before the facility is formally handed over to the beneficiary community for operation and maintenance.
Kyenshama Earth Dam has provided water for livestock communities in Nyabisirira Town Council in Mbarara District and Kashongi Sub-county in Kiruhura District since 1956. However, the facility had begun showing signs of deterioration and potential failure, necessitating its redesign and reconstruction to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for the livestock communities in the area.
The upgraded project is expected to benefit approximately 3,000 households across 23 villages in the two districts. Key components of the project include:
- Construction of an embankment and spillway;
- Installation of a floating abstraction structure;
- Construction of a 1,600m³ concrete storage reservoir;
- Installation of a solar-powered pumping system and mounting structure;
- Construction of transmission and distribution mains;
- Construction of a fenced pumping station;
- Installation of six livestock watering troughs and seven tap stands;
- Construction of an attendant’s house; and
- Construction of two VIP latrines.
During the engagement, district leaders commended the Ministry for the work undertaken to improve the facility, as well as the contractor, M/s Global International Services, for addressing defects identified during the defects liability period.
The leaders also requested an additional one-month monitoring period to assess the performance of the newly installed solar pumping system and upgraded reservoir before the facility is officially handed over to the beneficiary community.
The inspection brought together the Mbarara District technical and political leadership, led by the LC5 Vice Chairperson who represented the District Chairperson; the Kiruhura District leadership led by the LC5 Chairperson; the MWE technical team led by Eng. Henry Kizito, Assistant Commissioner, MBWD; representatives of the beneficiary communities; and members of the media.
The joint inspection underscores the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that water infrastructure is functional, sustainable and capable of delivering reliable services to communities, particularly livestock-keeping households, before being handed over for community operation and maintenance.