Integrating Geophysical and Geospatial Technology for Groundwater Exploration: A Case Study of Villages in Bumbaire Sub-County, Uganda

Groundwater is a critical resource for rural communities in Uganda, yet its sustainable development is often hindered by a lack of detailed subsurface characterization. This study addresses this gap by integrating geophysical and geospatial techniques to map groundwater potential zones in four villages (Kihunda, Bumbaire, Rwencence, and Kamutazya) of Bumbaire Sub-County, Uganda. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys were conducted at 20 locations using a Schlumberger array to obtain subsurface resistivity profiles. The acquired apparent resistivity data were inverted using IPI2win software to derive true resistivity values at target depths of 15, 25, and 35 meters. These point data were then spatially interpolated using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method in a GIS environment to generate continuous groundwater potential distribution maps. The results reveal distinct spatial and vertical variability in groundwater potential across the study area. Kihunda and Rwencence villages exhibited good to very good groundwater potential, particularly at greater depths (25 m and 35 m), indicating favorable aquifer conditions within weathered and fractured basement rocks. In contrast, Bumbaire village showed predominantly poor to moderate potential, while Kamutazya displayed a more heterogeneous pattern with localized promising zones. The generated maps effectively delineate zones suitable for borehole development, thereby reducing drilling risks and supporting targeted groundwater exploitation. This research demonstrates that the integration of VES and GIS provides a cost-effective, non-invasive, and reproducible framework for groundwater exploration in data-scarce basement terrains. The findings offer a practical decision-support tool for local water resource planners and contribute to sustainable groundwater management in rural Uganda.