In the week spanning January 20-24th, 2025, Lifewater Uganda’s team conducted a crucial water filter distribution and programme evaluation mission in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. This initiative provided household and emergency water filtration systems to households in need, bolstered water access points, and strengthened partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
Pre-Distribution Planning
The core team arrived in Katente Country Resort on January 20th for a planning meeting before heading to Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Their mission was to distribute essential filtration kits, assess key water sources, and collaborate with local partners to expand the programme. The distribution began on January 21st, supported by Lifewater UK Director Roger London, Water Works CEO Sue Langley, and David Miller. Sue and David are spearheading sponsorship efforts for refugee settlements in Uganda. This visit marked the first time the funders had travelled to Uganda to witness the impact on the ground that their funding makes.
Distribution
The Water Works funders actively participated in the distribution event, made opening remarks, and observed firsthand the importance of Lifewater’s work in improving access to clean water. They also visited open wells, protected springs, and taps to assess the conditions and ensure that Lifewater’s filtration systems provided safe drinking water to the community.
Key Activities and Observations
A total of 270 water filtration systems were distributed across two Zones: Ntambabiniga and Bwiriza. These included 138 household water filtration systems and 132 emergency systems. The systems were distributed to vulnerable households, ensuring immediate access to clean water.
Engagement with Local Authorities
The team visited UNHCR Kyaka II office to meet with Julius Muhenda, the Kyaka II Lead, and the WASH focal person. Both expressed appreciation for Lifewater / Water Works ongoing support and acknowledged the urgent need for continued assistance.
Visiting Past Beneficiaries
During the distribution, Sue and David, accompanied by Lifewater team members also visited households that had received filters in previous years. One notable visit took place with a family that had received their kit in 2018. The family of five—father, mother, and children—were seen enjoying a meal while drinking water filtered by Lifewater’s system. This highlighted the lasting impact of Lifewater’s work on community health and sustainability.
Health and Education Partnerships
The Lifewater team, in collaboration with health partner MIT, visited Bujubuli Health Facility. It was encouraging to see patients using filtered water to take their medications, and the facility expressed interest in receiving additional filters to serve more areas within the hospital. Similarly, our educational partner FCA appreciated the filters placed in the girls’ dormitory and sick bay, though, due to school holidays, we were unable to visit students.
Conclusion
This mission successfully reinforced Lifewater’s and Water Works’ commitment to providing clean, safe water to Uganda’s most vulnerable communities. Collaboration with local authorities, UNHCR, and WASH focal persons in Kyaka II remains crucial for long-term sustainability and continued access to clean water. The invaluable support from Lifewater’s donors – Water Works made this distribution possible, offering them a firsthand view of the impact of their contributions. We look forward to strengthening these partnerships and expanding our efforts to improve water access and sanitation in Uganda’s refugee settlements.