Uganda Launches Water Week with 560km Awareness Walk

A team of professional walkers just began an epic 560-kilometer trek across Uganda to raise awareness about one of the nation's most pressing challenges: access to clean water.

The journey kicked off in Moroto, located in the Karamoja region, where the Ministry of Water and Environment launched the country's 9th Water and Environment Week. The symbolic start included a tree-planting ceremony before walkers from the Uganda Walkers Association set out on their multi-day journey to the capital city of Kampala.

The walkers will pass through seven cities and towns, covering vast distances to shine a spotlight on water and sanitation issues. Their route takes them through Soroti, Mbale, Tororo, Bugiri, Iganga, and Jinja before reaching Kampala.

The choice to launch this year's Water Week in Karamoja carries special significance. Jimmy Biyomotho, the region's Rural Water and Sanitation Manager, acknowledged that Karamoja still faces major gaps in water and sanitation coverage. But he emphasized that bringing national attention to the region has already attracted crucial partnerships.

"The launch has brought many partners on board who will work closely with us to ensure sustainable water production," Biyomotho said. The Ministry continues working to bridge these coverage gaps across the region.

Progress is already visible in rural communities. Patrick Ochero, Manager of Karamoja Umbrella of Water and Sanitation, pointed to the government's investment in piped water systems since 2014. These systems bring clean water directly to villages that previously lacked reliable access.

The infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance, which is why the government established dedicated organizations to keep water flowing. Since 2014, Ochero noted, the region has registered significant achievements in water access.

The Ripple Effect

This week-long event does more than raise awareness. It strengthens policy discussions on climate resilience and highlights how natural resources drive economic growth. By hosting the event in Karamoja, organizers are accelerating improvements exactly where they're needed most.

The combination of physical action and policy dialogue creates momentum that outlasts the event itself. Partners who gather this week will continue collaborating long after the walkers complete their journey, ensuring sustainable management of water resources benefits communities nationwide.

The 560-kilometer walk symbolizes the distance many communities have yet to travel toward reliable water access, but every step forward counts.