HOUSEHOLD COPING STRATEGIES FOR WATER SCARCITY IN LUWERO DISTRICT, UGANDA: EVIDENCE FROM QUALITATIVE SECONDARY DATA

Introduction: Water scarcity poses a significant challenge to socio-economic development and public health, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study presents the experiences of households facing water scarcity in Luwero District, Central Uganda.

Methods: This was a desk research study that collected and synthesised secondary data to examine the drivers, lived experiences, coping mechanisms, and potential interventions to address the challenges caused by water scarcity in households in Luwero District, Uganda.

Results: Findings reveal that climate variability, environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, rapid population growth, and weak governance systems collectively intensify shortages of water at the household level. Water avilability is characterised by moderate coverage, albeit with significant spatial inequalities, unreliable supply systems, and heavy dependence on boreholes, with many households facing persistent challenges in accessing safe and sufficient water. Water scarcity has notable implications for gendered labour burdens, agricultural productivity, and health outcomes, especially waterborne diseases. The study recommends integrated water resource management, infrastructure development, community-led conservation, and strengthened governance. This article contributes to existing literature by providing a localised synthesis of water scarcity grounded in current policy, environmental, and socio-economic evidence.