Project Description Currently, Bwesumbu SDA Primary School, Kanyangwangyi Primary School, and Kaghando Primary School in Kasese District lack reliable clean and safe water sources within their premises. As a result, students must travel over 4 kilometers to collect contaminated water, exposing them to health risks such as waterborne diseases. The absence of nearby clean water sources also negatively impacts school attendance, especially among girls, with up to 40% missing school during menstruation due to inadequate sanitation facilities and water access, hampering their learning progress and increasing their vulnerability to risks like rape on their long routes to collect water.
Although ACTS Uganda has previously developed water systems in surrounding villages, limited budget has hindered our efforts to extend these water solutions directly to the schools. This gap leaves students without sustainable access to safe water, affecting their health, attendance, and overall well-being. This project will address the gap by installing water taps, conduct WASH sessions in schools, and establish WASH clubs and committees in schools.
Project History ACTS is a registered non-profit organization partnering with rural communities in Uganda to improve access to safe, clean water. Our mission is to partner with communities so they can embrace the benefits of life-giving clean water, sanitation and hygiene in Uganda while our vision is to see communities thriving through the elimination of water poverty. Currently operating in five districts, where only 9% of residents have reliable water access compared to Uganda’s national average of 68%, ACTS addresses water issues at the grassroots level by utilizing local resources, knowledge, and technologies for sustainable infrastructure management.
Our activities include establishing and maintaining Gravity Flow Schemes and installing water taps. Beyond infrastructure, we promote WASH education through awareness sessions and economically empower communities through our WASH Preneurship training. Recent projects include the Kanywambogo WASH Project (2022-2023), which improved water access for over 8,345 individuals in Ibanda District by installing 55 tap stands, reducing water collection burdens, especially for women and children. The Kanywameizi WASH Project (2022-2023) served over 13,000 people in Isingiro District with 56 tap stands, increasing reliable water access to 98%. The Irimya WASH Project (2023-2025) is providing clean water to more than 14,000 residents across 75 tap stands.
Project Mission The mission of the project is to increase attendance, particularly among girls, reduce in waterborne illnesses, and create healthier, safer school environments for 1,542 students, ensuring better overall well-being and improved education outcomes. This project’s mission aligns with our mission; to partner with communities so they can embrace the benefits of life-giving clean water, sanitation and hygiene in Uganda while our vision; seeing communities thriving through the elimination of water poverty.
The project will focus on establishing reliable water infrastructure within schools to ensure continuous access to safe and clean water.
This will involve connecting the school to the main GFS water supply system and strategically installing six water taps across the school premises. These taps will be placed in easily accessible locations to facilitate convenient and consistent water access for students, staff, and the school community. The goal is to improve hygiene and reduce waterborne diseases, creating a healthier learning environment.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project will prioritize raising awareness about Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices. This will include conducting targeted awareness sessions within schools to educate students and staff on the importance of proper hygiene, safe water practices, and sanitation. These sessions aim to instill good hygiene habits that can be sustained beyond the project’s duration.
Furthermore, a WASH club will be established within each participating school. This club will be responsible for promoting hygiene education, overseeing the maintenance and proper use of the new water infrastructure, and encouraging peer-to-peer learning. As a result, students will take ownership of WASH initiatives which will contribute to sustainable behavior change regarding WASH.
Back in Class:
Nestled in Kanywambogo, Ryabatenga Primary School serves 1,073 children whose lives have been transformed by the provision of clean water and safe latrines. Before the installation of a new tap stand and latrines, Elizabeth and her classmates faced daily challenges—an exhausting 30-minute walk for water and the absence of private facilities often forced girls to miss school during menstruation. Elizabeth candidly shared, “Some girls used to be absent until menstruation stopped,” highlighting the struggle.
Now, thanks to ACTS, the school is equipped with accessible latrines and a reliable water source. Elizabeth beams with relief, stating, “Everything is now clean and available! It takes just 2 minutes to visit the latrine and return to class.” This newfound efficiency allows students to focus on their studies, foster new hygiene habits, and reclaim their time.
With the Micro Donation, Elizabeth story will be true for other 790 girls in Bwesumbu SDA Primary School, Kanyangwangyi Primary School, and Kaghando Primary School in Kasese District lack reliable clean and safe water sources within their premises.