Assessment of sustainable water access in rural communities: case study of borehole projects in Mityana district, Uganda

Abstract

This study assessed the sustainability of borehole-based water access in rural Uganda, focusing on Mityana District. It aimed to determine the operational status of boreholes, examine technical and environmental factors shaping performance, analyze socio-economic determinants of household access, and evaluate the effectiveness of community involvement in borehole management.An explanatory, descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. A quantitative approach combined structured household questionnaires, Water User Committee (WUC) interviews, and direct borehole inspections. Stratified purposive sampling with proportional representation ensured inclusion of functional and non-functional boreholes, different dependency levels, and households at varying distances from water points. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to test hypotheses.Findings revealed that about two-thirds of boreholes were functional, though non-functionality remained high and unevenly distributed across sub-counties. Borehole performance was significantly influenced by design, maintenance frequency, and environmental conditions. Socioeconomic disparities, particularly income, education, livelihood type, and distance to boreholes, shaped household access. Strong positive associations were found between active WUCs, transparent financial practices, and borehole functionality, while weak governance correlated with frequent breakdowns.The study concludes that borehole sustainability depends on integrated strategies that combine sound technical design with preventive maintenance, equitable access, and strengthened community governance. Its contribution lies in demonstrating that governance and community ownership amplify technical reliability, offering evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, NGOs, and local authorities to enhance institutional support, accountability, and resilience in rural water management.