Every two years, supporters of WATSAN have stepped out on challenging sponsored walks to raise funds for a specific project that is happening in Uganda. Next year’s target project will be Phase 2 of the Kazuru gravity flow scheme.

Right now we have an ambitious gravity flow scheme in progress in Kazuru, where ground was broken in August. The launch of this project was attended by this year’s tour party of 21 visitors from the UK, on the hillside above the area to be served.

WATSAN has funds for half of that scheme, but needs another £50,000 to enable the project to be completed, with another similar project waiting in the wings. An exciting aspect of this project, which is located near the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, close to the border with DR Congo, is that we may be able to extend it to serve a Batwa (former pygmy) settlement.

Biennial Walks for Water were originally centrally organised, but, since COVID, have been successfully dispersed around the country to allow more people to take part. The funds raised from these walks has been one of WATSAN’s most significant sources of funding since 2011. The trustees are keen to maintain this tradition, and are very pleased that supporter Andrew Starr has volunteered to co-ordinate and provide support for a cluster of walks proposed for a Saturday in June 2025, around the longest day – the preferred date would be Saturday 21st June, but other Saturdays in early June/July might be preferred locally. An online get-together to connect with other regional walkers will be organised on the evening of 21st June.

We normally hope for about ten walks across the whole country. Some supporters have organised walks before and may be in a position to do so again. Others may like to pass the baton to a family member or friend, or take up the challenge for the first time themselves. Being a walk leader means planning a route of up to 20 miles (but it could be much less); recruiting walkers from your local networks; managing a safe environment on the day; and organising local sponsorship (support provided).

Please contact Andrew Starr on leicstarr@gmail.com before the end of December to register your interest.