Rural Uganda: Clean water became available right where it was needed

Although the region received good rainfall, very little water was available near people’s homes. Most families lived in mud‑brick houses with iron roofs, but lacked the guttering, pipes, and tanks needed to harvest rainwater. For caregivers—often grandparents or older children—this meant hours lost each day fetching unsafe water instead of tending gardens, earning income, or supporting schooling.

Through CWS support, families received materials and technical help to build rainwater harvesting tanks at their homes. Clean water became available for drinking, cooking, and washing—right where it was needed. Children were able to attend school instead of walking long distances for water, and caregivers could focus on food production and income‑generating work. Over the years, more than 1400 tanks were constructed, transforming life for thousands of vulnerable women, children, and orphans.

The project strengthened local employment, improved sanitation, and made families more self‑reliant. Safe water proved to be a true gift of life—helping households flourish and giving communities in Southwest Uganda a foundation for a healthier future and moving towards being free of poverty and injustice.