Ndorwa Government Prison in Kabale District has received a major boost in its efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene after Centenary Bank donated a water harvesting facility to the institution. The donation, made as part of the bank’s Customer Service Week activities, is expected to ease years of water shortages that have affected both inmates and prison staff.

For years, water scarcity has remained one of the most pressing challenges facing Ndorwa Government Prison in Kabale District, affecting sanitation, hygiene, and the day-to-day welfare of inmates and staff.

The challenge has been particularly severe in the Kigezi sub-region, where the hilly terrain and limited water sources continue to affect access to clean and reliable water.

In response to the challenge, Centenary Bank has donated a water harvesting facility to the prison, a move expected to significantly improve water storage and sanitation conditions at the institution.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Officer in Charge of Ndorwa Government Prison, SP Julius Kisembo, said the prison has struggled with water shortages for many years due to the geographical nature of the area.

Kisembo noted that the prison relies heavily on water for sanitation, cooking, cleaning, and other domestic needs, adding that the facility currently accommodates more than 750 inmates and over 500 prison staff.

He expressed gratitude to Centenary Bank for the support, saying the new facility will greatly improve hygiene standards and reduce the burden caused by recurring water shortages.

Speaking on behalf of the bank, Rashid Musisi, the chief manager for corporate and distribution banking at Centenary Bank, said the institution remains committed to supporting communities and public institutions that play a critical role in society.

Musisi noted that access to clean and safe water remains a major challenge in many parts of the country, particularly in the Kigezi sub-region, and that the donation was a response to a genuine need identified within the prison.

Prison officers and other beneficiaries welcomed the donation, describing it as timely and critical in addressing one of the institution’s longstanding challenges.

The new water harvesting tank is expected to enhance water storage capacity, improve sanitation and hygiene standards, and contribute to better living and working conditions for inmates and staff at Ndorwa Government Prison.

As efforts continue to improve conditions in correctional facilities across the country, stakeholders say partnerships between the private sector and public institutions remain vital in addressing critical service delivery gaps.