At our trustee meeting on 19th October 2024, WATSAN’s founder and Chair since 2004 stepped down, handing over the Chair to Graham Piper, who has been a trustee and Vice-Chair for many years.

Ian founded WATSAN Uganda – UK Support in 2004, having worked as a consultant for WaterAid in the region since 1986. He built connections and friendships in North Kigezi and Kinkiizi Dioceses of South-West Uganda that continue to this day, and are the basis of the impact WATSAN is making every year to people living in the poorest rural communities in those areas.

During Ian’s time as WATSAN’s Chair, alongside his wife Ellie he has been instrumental in:

  • Raising over £1m in donations
  • Building 12 gravity flow schemes
  • Bringing on board 235 committed supporters and six current trustees
  • Organising 23 Walks for Water
  • Constructing 18 institutional projects in schools and community centres
  • Transforming the lives of over 200,000 people.

The handover was the culmination of several months of planning, including Ian’s last trip to Uganda alongside the group led by his son-in-law James Hunt from St Peter’s Church.

At the meeting Ian paid tribute to the other trustees, and put full confidence in Graham to lead WATSAN into the future. Trustees agreed that Graham had a hard act to follow, but that no-one was better placed than him to take the reins from Ian! Trustees presented Ian and Ellie with a card, photo book of memories and hand-written messages, and some salad servers made from Ankole cattle horns.

WATSAN’s Patron, Bishop Andrew Watson, said to Ian: “Thank you for all the tremendous work you have done in supplying clean water and proper sanitation to a corner of Western Uganda. Your commitment to this has been exemplary, and the love you have poured into it. I, along with thousands of others, am so grateful.”

WATSAN Uganda’s Director, Rev Canon Eric Baingana, said: “As you retire, always remember that we, the people of Rukungiri and Kanungu Districts, shall live to remember you for the supply of accessible, safe and clean water, and improvement of sanitation and hygiene in our communities. Thank you for your immeasurable support.”

Ian and Ellie remain trustees of WATSAN Uganda – UK Support and will continue to share their experience and wisdom with the team.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer trustee or associate with WATSAN, please contact us!