Residents of Pajule, eastern Uganda, have been forced to cope without running water at the local Health Centre IV for the past fourteen days after the centre failed to settle a Shs2.6 million water bill with the regional water authority. Clinic staff report that patients must rely on bottled water for basic hygiene, and some minor procedures have been postponed. The centre’s management says the bill was disputed due to alleged over‑charging and promises to resolve the matter with the district health office. Meanwhile, community leaders have appealed to the Ministry of Health for emergency assistance, warning that the water shortage could jeopardise treatment for malaria, maternal health, and other critical services.
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