WATSAN Uganda is pleased to report strong progress on the Kazuru gravity flow scheme, a major infrastructure project designed to bring clean, safe water to communities. The work completed this quarter marks a significant step forward in improving public health and daily life for hundreds of households.

Improved access to water

Engineering milestones

This quarter saw the completion of over 1.3 km of trenching for pipeline installation, the construction of three stream crossings to maintain uninterrupted flow, and thorough leak testing and junction connections to ensure system integrity. These technical achievements mean that water is now flowing safely and consistently to the tap stands, reducing the time and physical burden of collecting water and lowering the risk of waterborne disease.

Sanitation and hygiene improvements

Demonstration homes and composting

Three new demonstration homes were established this quarter, showcasing best practices in hygiene and sanitation. Composting is also becoming more widespread, with 47 households using three-pile systems and 58 opting for compost pits – reducing waste and improving soil quality.

Community leadership and training

Two stakeholder meetings were held at Rushamba Church of Uganda, bringing together WATSAN staff, local government officials, and religious leaders. Water User Committees were trained in hygiene promotion, financial management, and community engagement. Each committee includes a chairperson, secretary, treasurer, caretaker, and two additional members. These groups play a vital role in maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Looking ahead

WATSAN Uganda UK Support is contiuing to fundraise towards Phase 2 of the Kazuru scheme. This will include the installation of toilet facilities in schools and other institutions along the pipeline; and the extension of the pipeline into the Batwa community – a particularly marginalised group in Ugandan society, living on the outskirts of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Donate or fundraise towards Phase 2

A new protected spring has been constructed in Nyarutare cell, bringing clean water to more than 70 households – an estimated 450 people – in a previously water-stressed area. The project was made possible by fundraising from St Mark’s Church Holbrook, whose commitment to serving others reflects their mission to “know Christ and make Him known.”

Located at the foot of the hills, the spring was long considered the best local source for cooking and drinking, despite being an open well. Its proximity to a marshy swamp made construction challenging, but the community came together to excavate a long drainage channel and support the build. Their participation has helped ensure the spring’s long-term sustainability and local ownership.

Though the spring is yet to be officially commissioned, it is already in use and has been met with deep gratitude. Residents have expressed heartfelt thanks to NKKD WATSAN and to the donors who made this possible – recognising the care and commitment shown through the gift of safe water.

This project is a clear example of faith in action – transforming lives through practical support and shared purpose.

Find out how you can put your faith into action

With a mission team recently returning from another life-changing trip to Uganda with WATSAN, many people have been asking us what more they can do to help and be involved.

The trip, which saw a 21-strong team visit Uganda in August 2024, has ignited a passion for WATSAN amongst its participants. There is nothing like seeing our work in practice on the ground to cement a commitment to WATSAN, and this is how most of our trustees came to be involved.

There are various concrete ways in which anyone can help WATSAN now! Please do consider becoming:

An Ambassador – promote WATSAN at your church, workplace and other networks
WATSAN can provide you with template PowerPoint slides, leaflets, video content for sharing. Download resource pack >

A Supporter – start giving regularly to WATSAN to provide stability to the charity
WATSAN benefits from a small cohort of regular donors who give anything from £5 to £50 a month – whatever you can afford is very much appreciated. Sign up here >

A Trustee – consider joining the UK board of trustees
WATSAN Uganda UK Support is run by a small team of volunteer trustees who fundraise for and advise the staff team in Uganda, and is looking for people with admin, comms and finance experience. Contact WATSAN’s Chair Graham Piper >

An Associate – help with specific tasks that support WATSAN’s work
WATSAN’s Associates take on more discrete tasks without becoming a full trustee, such as events or communications. Contact WATSAN’s Chair Graham Piper >

A Trip Organiser – help organise or be part of the leadership team on another trip
We are hoping to target another, similar trip within the next two to three years. Anyone of any age can be part of the leadership team. Contact trip organiser James Hunt >

Something else? – share your own ideas for what you could do!

Please do use the links above to take action now. Alternatively, if you’d like to discuss any of these options, you can contact us.

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.

We are creating a brand-new 2025 wall calendar to help you plan your months, and to raise money and awareness for WATSAN. Order in time for Christmas for our imminent print run.

The calendars will feature a selection of images from WATSAN’s projects and work, and you can display them proudly in your home as a supporter of WATSAN, or give them to friends and family as presents. They will be A5 wall calendars with a grid format for each day of the month, so that you can write in key dates.

The cost per calendar is £14.00 plus postage, payable by bank transfer. Please complete the form below by 30th November 2024 to receive your calendar.

WATSAN calendar order form