Uganda
Uganda's water and sanitation crisis
Uganda has experienced two decades of economic growth, leading to large population movements from rural areas to informal settlements around urban centers. High population growth stressed the water and sanitation services that exist. 7 million Ugandans lack access to safe water and 28 million do not have access to improved sanitation facilities.
Further, due to disparities in water access in Uganda, urban people living in poverty pay as much as 22 percent of their income to access water from water vendors. Spending such a high percentage of earnings on water reduces overall household income, limiting opportunities to build savings and break the cycle of poverty.
In Uganda and around the world, millions are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic with the added challenge of living without access to safe water. Now more than ever access to safe water is critical to the health of families in Uganda.
Uganda
Capital: Kampala
Our impact in Uganda
Water.org launched our WaterCredit solution in Uganda in 2013. Since then, demand for water and sanitation loan products has grown significantly and multiple financial institutions have partnered with Water.org to develop water and sanitation lending portfolios.
In Uganda, households, schools, and health clinics are taking out loans for long-term water and sanitation solutions.
Over the next few years we will work with a selection of commercial banks and microfinance institutions to increase the uptake, scale, and success of water and sanitation lending directed to people living in poverty.
Water.org also works with a variety of sector organizations in Uganda, including Water for People, IRC, and Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor. By partnering with other stakeholders, local and national government, and key players in the water and financial sectors, we’re working to remove barriers and build an enabling environment for affordable financing for water and sanitation.
Rose's story
Rose worked hard to build a good life for her family, though she lacked something critical to survival. She had no toilet or running water at home. It's hard to raise children without these things. Thus, with her little ones in tow, Rose's days consisted of selling charcoal at the market and walking long distances to and from her home to collect water. Now, four years later, Rose’s smile is brighter than ever. The water from the tap she constructed with her small loan is convenient and saves her hours each day. No more walks for water. Now she can dedicate her time to work and to caring for her kids.
To help us reach more people in need of safe water and sanitation in Uganda, donate today.
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