New Water System and Sanitation Facilities Benefit Kalangala Communities.

Thursday, 19 February, 2026

Kalangala, Uganda — February 2026

For decades, the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria surrounding Kalangala District masked a harsh reality: for many island communities, access to safe drinking water was out of reach. Residents trekked long distances to collect contaminated lake water, putting themselves at constant risk of waterborne diseases; and even crocodile attacks. This began to change with the launch of a Sh310 million comprehensive water and sanitation project spearheaded by Amref Health Africa alongside partners under the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action program.

A Lifeline for Island Communities

Before the intervention, children at St. Victor Mulabana Primary School routinely walked up to three kilometres to fetch water from the lake-often unsafe and foul-smelling. School days began and ended with dangerous water collection journeys, and girls in particular faced untenable hygiene challenges due to inadequate sanitation facilities.

Dr. Patrick Kagurusi, Country Manager of Amref Health Africa Uganda, reflects on the situation:

“For too long, water in Kalangala was synonymous with danger and disease. This project brings infrastructure ,that safeguard for health, dignity, and opportunity. Safe water transforms lives, giving children time for education and families reassurance that sickness no longer awaits at the water’s edge.”

Solar-Powered Solutions and Sanitation Upgrades

The innovative system installed in the district harnesses solar energy to pump water from Lake Victoria into a storage network capable of serving communities up to 4 kilometres away. With a pump capacity of 10,000 litres per hour and a clean water distribution network of public standposts, the project makes safe water accessible and sustainable.

Crucially, the intervention also included the installation of water purification units to guarantee drinking-water safety, complemented by construction of drainable VIP latrines at St. Victor Mulabana Primary School and Bwendero Health Centre III. These sanitation improvements are vital for infection prevention and menstrual hygiene management.

Supporting Community Change and Behavior

Community sensitization efforts have encouraged residents to abandon open defecation and embrace proper hygiene practices, a shift that is already visible at landing sites like Mabigo. Empowered with knowledge and infrastructure, locals are playing a greater role in protecting their own health and environment.

Mrs. Margaret Kenshubi, headteacher at St. Victor Mulabana Primary School, describes the impact:

“Once water flows, we will see a school that functions without fear. Time previously spent on dangerous treks will be redirected to learning. Our pupils will be healthier, safer, and more hopeful.”

Community First: Our Commitment to Safe Water and Well-Being

This milestone success reflects the collaborative work of Amref Health Africa, Cordaid, MIFUMI, and the embassies of the Netherlands and Iceland. It demonstrates a committed approach to addressing water, sanitation, and health gaps in hard-to-reach communities.

Dr. Kagurusi underscores the broader significance:

“Clean water access is a fundamental human right and cornerstone of public health. We call on residents to safeguard this system, ensure its maintenance, and uphold a culture of hygiene that protects future generations.”

Bringing Health Closer to Home

For families like that of Grace Nalubega from Mabigo landing site, the change is personal:

“We used to drink green, unsafe water and suffered frequent illnesses. Now, with clean water near our homes, we save money, protect our children’s health, and look forward to a brighter future.”

As Kalangala’s communities begin to enjoy the benefits of clean, safe water and improved sanitation, the water project stands as a powerful testament to what partnerships, innovation, and community engagement can achieve-bringing dignity, health, and hope to island homes once defined by hardship.

By the communications department at Amref health Africa in Uganda