Level of community operation and maintenance of water projects in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District. A cross-sectional study.

Authors

  • Susan Twongyeirwe Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovations, Bishop Stuart University. Author
  • Dr. Anthony Mpairwe Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovations, Bishop Stuart University. Author
  • Dr. Benon Muhumuza Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovations, Bishop Stuart University. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64792/0qvbzd31

Keywords:

Rural water supply, water infrastructure, maintenance practices, water governance, community capacity, water system functionality

Abstract

Background

The study aimed to assess the level of community operation and maintenance of water projects in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District.

 Methodology

The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design among stakeholders involved in rural water projects in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District. From a population of 1,200, 300 respondents were selected through multi-stage sampling. Household water users were selected using simple random sampling, while key informants were purposively selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Questionnaire data were analysed in SPSS version 26 using frequencies, percentages, chi-square, correlation, and regression. Instrument validity and reliability were established, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.803 to 0.966. Ethical requirements were observed.

 Results

A total of 210 out of the 300 targeted respondents participated in the study, representing a 70.0% response rate. Regarding age, 33.8% (n=71) were aged 31–50 years, 33.3% (n=70) were 18–30 years, 16.7% (n=35) were above 50 years, and 16.2% (n=34) were below 18 years. Community leadership recorded a mean score of 3.4943 (SD=0.74427), based on 210 respondents, with scores ranging from 2.20 to 4.80. Community operation and maintenance (O&M) had a mean of 3.3552 (SD=0.61907). Among O&M items, community contribution to repairs had the highest mean (4.043; SD=0.8376), followed by knowledge of reporting channels (3.657; SD=0.8223) and regular management meetings (3.657; SD=0.8223). Active Water User Committees recorded a mean of 2.762 (SD=0.6492), while prompt repairs had the lowest mean (2.657; SD=0.8223). Overall, O&M was moderate for 81.9% (n=172) and high for 18.1% (n=38).

 Conclusion

Community operation and maintenance participation was predominantly moderate, with weak Water User Committees and delayed repairs limiting effective water project functionality.

 Recommendation

District authorities, WUCs, local technicians, and communities should strengthen O&M through training, routine maintenance, timely repairs, financial accountability, reporting, and regular supervision.

Author Biographies

  • Susan Twongyeirwe, Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovations, Bishop Stuart University.

    a student pursuing a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management at Bishop Stuart University

  • Dr. Anthony Mpairwe, Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovations, Bishop Stuart University.

    is a research supervisor at Bishop Stuart University.

  • Dr. Benon Muhumuza, Directorate of graduate studies, research and innovations, Bishop Stuart University.

    is a research supervisor at Bishop Stuart University 

References

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Published

2026-10-01

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 4 (2026): October 2026 Issue

Section

Environmental and Agricultural Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2026 Susan Twongyeirwe, Dr. Anthony Mpairwe, Dr. Benon Muhumuza (Author)

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How to Cite

Level of community operation and maintenance of water projects in Buyanja Sub-County, Rukungiri District. A cross-sectional study. (2026). East African Journal of Research and Innovation, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.64792/0qvbzd31