Exploratory assessment of challenges and issues with private water operators in rural water supply and service delivery: a case study of the Karamoja region, Uganda

This exploratory assessment was conducted in the Karamoja region of North Eastern Uganda. The aim was to analyse the contextual shortfalls that undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of private operators (PO) in water supply. POs had limited capacity to manage affairs of the water supply systems (WSS). Specifically, their skills were lacking to manage the electromechanical components of the systems, meter reading, and they exhibited poor customer care skills. Intermittent power supplies rendered the WSS unreliable. Solar systems were reported to have erratic frequencies and output which also ultimately resulted in inconsistent water supply. However, the POs hardly pursued corrective measures. The weak enforcement of regulatory policies propagated non-uniformity in tariff implementation approaches across districts contributing to lower willingness to pay. The POs’ focus on profits presents a unique challenge as they attempt to minimise energy expenses in a bid to widen profit margins. We conclude that the limited technical and managerial capacity of POs in running water supply systems is a critical cause of unsatisfactory service delivery to water users. Finally, the weak water governance and regulatory policy enforcement and the non-adherence to water tariff plans not only affect PO economies of scale but also hamper efficient service delivery. HIGHLIGHTS Institutional capacity weakness exists in sectoral coordination where it is least expected to manifest at policy formulation level which ultimately impedes the oversight function of the water authority.; Inconsistent data use to strengthen data-driven iterative adaptation to service delivery is a major factor that inhibits evidence-based decision making.; Weak regulatory policy enforcement mechanisms stymie water governance leading to inconsistent water tariffs, and intermittent water supply, and worse still system breakdown.;