Beyond water points: water accessibility, household wellbeing, and service governance in Kiryandongo refugee settlement, Uganda

Abstract

Water insecurity in refugee settlements undermines health, dignity, protection, and everyday well-being, yet access is often assessed mainly through infrastructure coverage. This article examines the relationship between water accessibility and refugee wellbeing in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Using a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design, the study surveyed 285 refugee households and generated qualitative data through 13 focus group discussions with Water User Committee/community representatives and three key informant interviews with UNHCR, the Office of the Prime Minister, and Kiryandongo District Local Government. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings show that water access is constrained by insufficient water points, poor perceived cleanliness, reduced water quantities, long queues, ageing infrastructure, household water costs, maintenance contributions, low groundwater quality, population growth, and financing gaps. Seventy percent of respondents reported that available taps and boreholes were insufficient; 78% expressed concerns about water cleanliness; 75% reported reduced water for drinking; 81% reported reduced water for personal hygiene; and 100% reported increased queuing time. Affordability was also critical: 90% incurred costs to access water, 100% agreed that refugees sought employment to buy water, and 69% considered maintenance contributions burdensome. The article argues that water accessibility is a multidimensional determinant of refugee wellbeing, requiring integrated infrastructure investment, water-quality monitoring, affordability protection, transparent maintenance financing, and stronger institutional coordination.