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

WATSAN supporter Philippa Piper has created two beautiful quilts that she is generously offering to sell for the benefit of WATSAN’s Kazuru project.

In the cold winter weather, these quilts could keep you warm as you snuggle up to watch TV! They are available separately, or together. Offers will be considered in excess of £50 each. Handmade and unique, they make a perfect gift! Every penny of your purchase will go towards the fundraising for Phase 2 of WATSAN’s ambitious Kazuru gravity flow scheme, which has recently started in earnest.

The quilts are made from cotton with polyester/cotton backing and fleece padding for warmth and easy laundering. They measure 136cm x 230 cm each so can fit a single bed easily, or make a topper for a double bed or quilt for the sofa. Pictured below.

If you would like to help WATSAN in its fundraising efforts, do consider getting creative in a way such as this, or consider taking part in or donating to the Walk For Water in June (details to follow), where participants will be walking around 20km for WATSAN in areas around the country.

To purchase a quilt, email WATSAN’s Chair Graham Piper directly. Happy shopping!

We are incredibly grateful that six wonderful WATSAN supporters have stepped forward to lead a Walk for Water in June 2025, with local walks taking place in Leicestershire, The Cotswolds, Hampshire, Somerset, Kent and West Sussex.

This year’s walks will raise funds for Phase 2 of the Kazuru Gravity Flow Scheme. Phase 1 is in the process of being built, with the initial infrastruce now in place. Those on the August mission trip, attended by 21 people of all ages, helped to construct part of the scheme. We have an ambitious target to raise a further £50,000 for this phase of the project, with Walks for Water one of WATSAN’s most significant sources of funding since 2011.

WATSAN’s trustees are very grateful to the walk leaders for volunteering to run local walks, and to WATSAN supporter Andrew Starr for coordinating everyone. You can now sign up to take part in one of these walks by contacting the walk leader as below, who will support you with logistics, and with getting sponsorship to raise funds.

If these locations don’t suit you, do not fear! If you would like to complete your own walking challenge for WATSAN, we encourage you to do so, just contact Andrew Starr with your ideas.

Promotional ideas

Make sure to tell family and friends that you are doing the walk, and encourage them to join. Fundraisers can use our online platform Stewardship to set up their own personal page where friends and family can be invited to give. Share this on social media to raise awareness for the walk and WATSAN. We will also be creating a new video about Kazuru that you can share to encourage donations – watch this space!

Sign up now

Leicestershire: Saturday 21^st  June, 14 miles in the Charnwood Hills; contact Andrew Starr

The Cotswolds: Saturday 14th June, 18 miles along the River Windrush; contact Stephen Haywood

Hampshire: Saturday 21st June, 14 miles (plus shorter option) “Sights and Sounds of the South Downs” starting in Bishop’s Waltham; contact James Hunt

Somerset: Saturday 7th  June, 7 miles starting in South Petherton (11am start); contact Anne Gurner

Kent: Friday 27th June, 8.5 miles starting in Dymchurch (10.30am start); contact Martin Fosten

West Sussex: Saturday 14th June, 12 miles (plus 5-mile option) starting in Amberley; contact Graham Piper

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.