Introduction: Why Boreholes Matter in Uganda
Access to clean, reliable water remains one of the most pressing challenges across Uganda. Despite significant government and donor investment over the past two decades, millions of Ugandans — particularly those living in rural and peri-urban areas — still depend on unprotected springs, open wells, and surface water sources that are vulnerable to contamination and seasonal fluctuation. Boreholes drilled into underground aquifers offer the most dependable long-term solution to this crisis, providing year-round water that is naturally filtered through layers of rock and sediment.
Beyond domestic consumption, boreholes are critical infrastructure for Uganda's agricultural sector. Livestock watering, micro-irrigation for smallholder farms, and large-scale commercial irrigation all depend on groundwater extraction in regions where surface water is scarce or unreliable during the dry season. The growing horticultural and dairy industries in districts such as Mbarara, Kiruhura, and Karamoja would be virtually impossible without borehole water supply systems.
Industrial and mining operations also rely heavily on boreholes. Construction projects require water for concrete mixing and dust suppression. Mining companies need water for mineral processing, drilling operations, and camp supply. Hotels, schools, hospitals, and factories across the country increasingly turn to private boreholes as municipal piped water systems prove inadequate or inconsistent. In all of these contexts, a properly drilled and constructed borehole is not merely a convenience — it is essential infrastructure that underpins livelihoods, public health, and economic productivity.
This guide walks you through every aspect of borehole drilling in Uganda: from the initial hydrogeological survey through to pump installation, water quality testing, and ongoing maintenance. Whether you are a community leader planning a village water point, an NGO implementing a WASH programme, a farmer seeking irrigation water, or a business owner securing a private supply, the information here will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
The Borehole Drilling Process Step by Step
Drilling a borehole is not as simple as choosing a spot and driving a drill into the ground. A successful borehole — one that yields sufficient clean water for decades — requires a systematic process that begins long before any drilling equipment arrives on site.
Step 1: Hydrogeological Survey and Site Selection
The process starts with a hydrogeological survey to determine whether groundwater exists beneath the proposed site, at what depth it is likely to be found, and what yield can be expected. This survey typically involves a desk study of existing geological maps and borehole records, followed by a field investigation using geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) or vertical electrical sounding (VES). The survey identifies the most promising drilling location based on aquifer characteristics, avoidance of contamination sources, and practical accessibility for the drilling rig.
Step 2: Mobilisation and Site Preparation
Once the site is confirmed, the drilling contractor mobilises equipment to the location. This includes the drill rig itself — usually a truck-mounted rotary or down-the-hole (DTH) hammer rig — along with support vehicles carrying casing pipes, drilling fluids, fuel, and tools. The site must be cleared and levelled to accommodate the rig, and a water source for drilling operations (if not already available) must be identified nearby. A sump pit is excavated to collect drilling fluid returns.
Step 3: Drilling
The actual drilling begins with the installation of a conductor casing through the uppermost unconsolidated material to prevent the borehole from collapsing at the surface. The main drilling then proceeds using either rotary mud drilling or DTH air hammer methods, depending on the geology. In Uganda's basement complex formations — which underlie much of the country — DTH hammer drilling is the most common technique, as it is efficient at penetrating hard crystalline rock. In sedimentary formations found in areas such as the Albertine Graben and parts of northern Uganda, rotary mud drilling may be preferred. The driller monitors the rate of penetration, cuttings, and water strikes throughout the process, recording this information on a detailed drilling log.
Step 4: Casing and Construction
After drilling to the target depth, the borehole is lined with casing pipes. The upper portion receives plain (blank) casing to seal off contaminated shallow water and unstable formations. Slotted or screened casing is installed across the aquifer zones to allow water to enter the borehole while keeping out sand and sediment. The annular space between the casing and the borehole wall is filled with a gravel pack around the screen sections and sealed with cement grout or bentonite above the aquifer to prevent surface contamination from seeping downward. A sanitary seal of cement is poured at the surface, and a concrete apron with drainage channel is constructed around the borehole head.
Step 5: Well Development and Pump Testing
Before a pump is installed, the borehole must be developed — a process of surging and flushing that removes fine particles from the aquifer around the screen, improving the flow of water into the borehole and clearing residual drilling fluid. Following development, a pump test is conducted. This typically involves a constant-rate discharge test lasting at least 24 hours, during which the water level drawdown is measured at regular intervals. The pump test data is analysed to determine the sustainable yield of the borehole, which in turn dictates the type and capacity of pump to be installed.
Step 6: Pump Installation and Commissioning
The final step is the installation of the pumping equipment. For community water points, this is usually a hand pump such as the India Mark II or Afridev. For higher-demand applications, a submersible electric pump or solar-powered pump system is installed. The pump is set at the appropriate depth based on the pump test results, rising mains are connected, and the surface works — including a pump house, storage tank, or distribution pipework — are completed. A water sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for quality analysis before the borehole is officially commissioned.
Hydrogeological Survey Requirements
In Uganda, a hydrogeological survey is not merely good practice — it is a regulatory requirement. The Ministry of Water and Environment, through the Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM), mandates that a professional hydrogeological survey be conducted before any borehole is drilled. This requirement exists because drilling without proper investigation leads to a high failure rate: boreholes that are dry, low-yielding, or contaminated represent a waste of resources and undermine confidence in groundwater as a water source.
A standard hydrogeological survey in Uganda involves several components. The desk study phase reviews existing geological maps (typically at 1:250,000 or 1:50,000 scale), previous borehole completion reports in the area, and satellite imagery to identify geological structures such as faults, fracture zones, and weathered zones that may host aquifers. The field investigation then employs geophysical methods to build a subsurface model of the site. Electrical resistivity surveys are the most widely used technique, as they are effective at distinguishing between water-bearing and dry formations in Uganda's predominantly crystalline basement geology.
The survey culminates in a siting report that recommends one or more drilling locations, provides an estimated drilling depth, predicts the likely yield, and identifies any risks. This report must be prepared and signed by a qualified hydrogeologist and is submitted to the relevant District Water Office or DWRM as part of the borehole drilling permit application. At ALOM, our groundwater development services include comprehensive hydrogeological investigations conducted by experienced professionals using modern geophysical equipment.
Types of Boreholes
Not all boreholes are the same. The type of borehole drilled depends on the intended use, the required yield, the depth to the aquifer, and the budget available.
Community Hand Pump Boreholes are the most common type in rural Uganda. These are typically 60 to 80 metres deep, fitted with 4-inch (100 mm) PVC casing, and equipped with a hand pump. They are designed to serve communities of 250 to 500 people and yield between 0.5 and 2 cubic metres per hour. The hand pump requires no electricity, making it ideal for remote areas without grid power.
Solar-Powered Boreholes are increasingly popular for schools, health centres, small towns, and livestock watering points. These boreholes are fitted with a submersible pump powered by a solar panel array. They can pump water to an elevated storage tank during daylight hours, providing gravity-fed distribution throughout the day. Solar systems are well suited to Uganda's equatorial climate, which provides relatively consistent solar radiation year-round.
Electric Submersible Pump Boreholes are used where grid electricity or a generator is available and higher yields are needed. These serve institutions, commercial farms, factories, and urban properties. The borehole is typically drilled to a larger diameter (6 inches or more) and can be designed to yield 5 to 50 cubic metres per hour depending on the aquifer.
Industrial and Mining Boreholes are engineered for high-capacity water supply. These are large-diameter boreholes drilled into productive aquifers, often with steel casing to withstand the demands of continuous high-volume pumping. They may include multiple boreholes connected to a centralised pumping and treatment system. ALOM has extensive experience designing and drilling industrial-scale groundwater supply systems for mining and construction clients.
Borehole Drilling Costs in Uganda
One of the most common questions we receive is: "How much does it cost to drill a borehole in Uganda?" The honest answer is that costs vary significantly depending on several factors.
Depth is the primary cost driver. Boreholes in Uganda typically range from 30 metres to over 120 metres deep. The deeper the borehole, the more time, fuel, casing, and consumables are required. Most drilling contractors charge on a per-metre basis, with rates varying according to geology and location.
Geology directly affects drilling speed and difficulty. Soft sedimentary formations can be drilled quickly with rotary methods, while hard basement rock requires DTH hammer drilling, which consumes more compressor fuel and wears through drill bits faster. Areas with alternating hard and soft layers, or formations that are highly fractured and prone to collapse, present additional challenges that increase costs.
Location and Accessibility matter because mobilising heavy drilling equipment to remote sites with poor roads adds transport costs. Sites in northern Uganda, Karamoja, or the islands of Lake Victoria, for example, will typically incur higher mobilisation charges than sites near Kampala or along major highway corridors.
Pump Type is a significant portion of the overall project cost. A basic India Mark II hand pump costs considerably less than a solar-powered submersible system with panels, controller, elevated tank, and distribution pipework. The pump selection should be driven by the intended use and required yield, not solely by budget.
Casing Material also affects cost. PVC casing is standard for most community and domestic boreholes. Steel casing is required for deeper boreholes, high-temperature environments, or where greater structural integrity is needed, but it costs significantly more.
As a general guide, a complete community hand pump borehole in Uganda — including survey, drilling, casing, pump testing, hand pump installation, and concrete apron — typically costs between UGX 25 million and UGX 50 million (approximately USD 6,500 to USD 13,000), depending on depth and location. Solar-powered systems range from UGX 40 million to UGX 120 million, while industrial boreholes can exceed UGX 200 million. Contact our team through our groundwater development page for a project-specific quotation.
Pump Types and Installation
Selecting the right pump is just as important as drilling the borehole itself. The pump must be matched to the borehole's yield, the required daily water demand, the total dynamic head (depth to water plus elevation to the delivery point plus friction losses), and the available power source.
India Mark II Hand Pump is the most widely deployed hand pump in Uganda. It is robust, relatively easy to maintain with locally available spare parts, and suitable for boreholes up to about 45 metres deep. The India Mark III (VLOM — Village Level Operation and Maintenance) variant is designed for easier community-level maintenance.
Afridev Hand Pump is another common option, particularly favoured by some NGOs and government programmes. It is designed for easy maintenance at the village level, with all below-ground components extractable without special tools. It is suitable for boreholes up to about 45 metres deep.
Submersible Electric Pumps are installed inside the borehole casing, submerged below the water level. They are available in a wide range of capacities and can deliver water from great depths at high flow rates. They require a reliable electricity supply — either grid power or a diesel/petrol generator. Brands commonly available in Uganda include Grundfos, Pedrollo, and DAB.
Solar Submersible Pumps combine a submersible pump with a solar photovoltaic array and a pump controller. They are increasingly cost-effective as solar panel prices have fallen dramatically. A typical system for a small town or institution might include a 1 to 3 kW solar array, a DC or AC submersible pump, a controller with dry-run protection, and an elevated storage tank of 5,000 to 10,000 litres. The system is designed so that the tank fills during the day and provides gravity-fed supply around the clock.
Proper pump installation requires careful attention to setting depth, rising main connections, electrical wiring (for motorised pumps), and surface works. A pump set too shallow may draw air during periods of low water level; a pump set too deep increases energy costs unnecessarily. The installation should always be carried out by qualified technicians and should comply with the borehole completion report recommendations.
Water Quality Standards in Uganda
Drilling a productive borehole is only half the battle — the water must also be safe to drink or fit for its intended purpose. Uganda's water quality standards are set by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) under US EAS 12:2014, which is aligned with WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
Key parameters tested include:
- Physical parameters: turbidity, colour, taste, odour, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity
- Chemical parameters: pH, total hardness, iron, manganese, fluoride, nitrates, chloride, sulphate, and heavy metals such as arsenic and lead
- Bacteriological parameters: total coliforms, faecal coliforms (E. coli), and faecal streptococci
For borehole water, the most common quality concerns in Uganda are elevated iron and manganese (which cause discolouration and metallic taste), high fluoride (particularly in volcanic areas of eastern Uganda), and bacteriological contamination (usually indicating poor sanitary protection of the borehole head). Nitrate contamination can occur where boreholes are drilled too close to pit latrines or agricultural areas with heavy fertiliser use.
Water quality testing should be conducted at commissioning and repeated at least annually thereafter. Samples must be collected in sterile containers following proper protocols and analysed at an accredited laboratory. If water quality parameters exceed permissible limits, treatment options such as aeration (for iron removal), defluoridation, or chlorination (for bacteriological contamination) may be required.
Regulatory Requirements
Borehole drilling in Uganda is regulated by the Water Act (Cap. 152) and its associated regulations. The key regulatory requirements include:
Drilling Permits: Any person or organisation intending to drill a borehole must obtain a drilling permit from the Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM) under the Ministry of Water and Environment. The application requires submission of a hydrogeological survey report, details of the proposed drilling contractor (who must be registered with DWRM), and the intended use of the borehole.
Contractor Registration: Only drilling contractors registered with DWRM are authorised to drill boreholes in Uganda. Registration requires demonstrated technical capacity, appropriate equipment, and qualified personnel. Engaging an unregistered contractor is not only illegal but also risky, as there is no accountability if the borehole fails.
Borehole Completion Report: After drilling, the contractor must submit a borehole completion report to DWRM. This report includes the drilling log, casing record, pump test data, water quality results, and GPS coordinates. This data feeds into the national groundwater database, which is essential for sustainable management of Uganda's water resources.
Water Abstraction Permits: For boreholes abstracting large volumes of water — particularly for commercial, industrial, or irrigation purposes — a separate water abstraction permit may be required. This permit specifies the maximum allowable abstraction rate to prevent over-exploitation of the aquifer.
Setback Distances: Regulations specify minimum distances between boreholes and potential sources of contamination. A borehole must be located at least 30 metres from the nearest pit latrine, 100 metres from a cemetery, and appropriate distances from waste disposal sites, fuel stations, and other hazards.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, and more importantly, can lead to borehole failure, water contamination, or conflict with neighbouring water users. Working with a reputable, DWRM-registered drilling company ensures that all regulatory requirements are met from the outset.
How to Choose a Borehole Drilling Company
Choosing the right drilling contractor is arguably the single most important decision in the entire borehole project. A competent, honest contractor will deliver a well-constructed borehole that provides clean water for 20 years or more. A poor contractor may leave you with a dry hole, a collapsed borehole, or a contaminated water source — and your money gone.
Here are the key criteria to evaluate:
DWRM Registration: Verify that the contractor is registered with the Directorate of Water Resources Management. Ask for their registration number and check it with DWRM if in doubt. An unregistered contractor is operating illegally.
Track Record and References: Ask for a list of recently completed boreholes, including locations and client contacts. A reputable company will be happy to provide references. Visit completed boreholes if possible to inspect the quality of construction and speak with the users.
Equipment Condition: The contractor's drilling rig and support equipment should be well-maintained and appropriate for the geological conditions at your site. Old, poorly maintained equipment breaks down frequently, causing delays and increasing costs.
Qualified Personnel: The drilling team should include experienced drillers and, ideally, a supervising hydrogeologist. Ask about the qualifications and experience of the team that will be assigned to your project.
Comprehensive Service: The best contractors offer a complete package: hydrogeological survey, drilling, pump testing, pump installation, water quality testing, and after-sales support. This integrated approach ensures quality control throughout the project and provides a single point of accountability.
Transparent Pricing: Be wary of quotes that seem significantly lower than competitors. Borehole drilling has real costs — fuel, casing, labour, equipment depreciation — and a contractor offering prices far below market rates may be cutting corners on casing depth, gravel pack quality, or cement grouting.
Warranty and After-Sales Support: A good contractor stands behind their work. Ask about warranty terms for the borehole construction and the pump installation, and whether the company offers maintenance and repair services.
How ALOM Can Help
ALOM Mining and Geohydro Services brings together deep expertise in hydrogeology, drilling engineering, and water supply system design to deliver reliable groundwater solutions across Uganda and the wider East African region. Our team includes qualified hydrogeologists, experienced drilling engineers, and pump installation technicians who work together to ensure every borehole we deliver meets the highest standards of construction quality and regulatory compliance.
Our groundwater development services cover the full project lifecycle:
- Hydrogeological surveys using modern geophysical equipment and experienced interpretation to maximise drilling success rates
- Borehole drilling with well-maintained rigs capable of handling Uganda's diverse geological conditions, from soft sediments to hard basement rock
- Pump testing and analysis to accurately determine sustainable yields and inform pump selection
- Pump installation — hand pumps, solar systems, and electric submersible pumps — tailored to the specific requirements of each project
- Water quality testing and treatment recommendations to ensure safe, compliant water supply
- Ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation of existing boreholes and pump systems
Whether you need a single community water point or a network of production boreholes for an industrial operation, we have the capacity and experience to deliver. Our clients include mining companies, construction firms, NGOs, government agencies, schools, hospitals, and private landowners across Uganda.
Visit our groundwater development services page to learn more about our capabilities, or contact us directly to discuss your project requirements and receive a detailed quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep do you need to drill a borehole in Uganda?
The required drilling depth depends entirely on the local geology and the depth to the water-bearing formation (aquifer). In Uganda, boreholes typically range from 30 metres to over 120 metres deep. Areas underlain by basement complex rocks — which cover most of central, western, and southern Uganda — generally require drilling to between 50 and 80 metres to intersect water-bearing fractures in the weathered zone or deeper bedrock. Sedimentary areas such as parts of northern Uganda and the Albertine Graben may have shallower aquifers. A professional hydrogeological survey conducted before drilling will provide a reliable estimate of the expected depth, helping you budget accurately and avoid the cost overruns that come with speculative drilling.
How long does it take to drill a borehole?
The actual drilling of a typical community borehole (60 to 80 metres deep) usually takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the geology and equipment used. However, the complete project timeline — from initial survey through to pump installation and commissioning — is longer. Allow approximately 1 to 2 weeks for the hydrogeological survey and reporting, 1 to 2 weeks for permit processing, 1 week for mobilisation, 1 to 3 days for drilling, 1 to 2 days for pump testing, and 2 to 5 days for pump installation and surface works. In total, a well-planned project can be completed within 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish. Delays often arise from permit processing, weather (particularly during heavy rains when access roads become impassable), or equipment breakdowns, so it is wise to build some contingency into your timeline.
What maintenance does a borehole require?
A properly constructed borehole requires relatively little maintenance, but what it does require is important. For hand pump boreholes, the pump mechanism should be inspected and serviced at least twice a year — this includes checking and replacing worn seals, bearings, and rising main connections. The concrete apron and drainage channel should be kept clean and in good repair to prevent surface water from contaminating the borehole. For motorised systems (electric or solar), the pump, motor, controller, and electrical connections should be inspected annually by a qualified technician, and the solar panels should be cleaned regularly to maintain efficiency. Water quality should be tested at least once a year. Many borehole failures in Uganda are not due to the aquifer running dry but rather to pump breakdowns caused by lack of maintenance. Establishing a maintenance fund and a clear responsibility structure — whether through a community water user committee or a service contract with a professional company — is essential to ensuring your borehole continues to deliver clean water for years to come.