Assessment of access to safe water among the informal settlement residents of Kisenyi, Kampala District

Abstract

Access to safe and adequate water remains a persistent challenge in informal settlements, despite Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) emphasizing its universal availability and sustainable management. This study examines water access in Kisenyi, an informal settlement in Kampala District, focusing on domestic water sources, determinants of use, and challenges faced by the urban poor. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was employed, the study triangulated quantitative and qualitative data. The Servqual Model (Parasuraman et al., 1988) and resilience theory (Garmezy, 1991) guided the analysis. Findings indicate that token-based systems dominate water access, with 55% of households relying on public standpipes or prepaid meters. Nearly half of participants (48%) rated this water as good. Household size and cost were key determinants of use, with 55% paying 100 –200 Ugandan Shillings per 20-liter jerry can. Access is further constrained by landlord–tenant relations, governance failures, and water quality issues across NWSC and alternative sources. The study highlights the need for bottom-up approaches, community participation, and awareness-raising to ensure sustainable water service delivery in informal settlements. By identifying institutional, social, and infrastructural barriers, the research provides empirical and theoretical insights to support SDG 6 in urban poor contexts