Uganda Trains Communities to Maintain Clean Water Systems

Schools and health facilities across Uganda's Busoga Region now have teams trained to keep clean water flowing for thousands of families.

The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) joined forces with Uganda's Ministry of Health this week to teach local communities how to manage newly built water and sanitation systems. The training took place at Victoria Nile Primary School in Jinja City, where caretakers learned hands-on skills they'll use every day.

The program focuses on a simple truth: building infrastructure is just the beginning. Without local knowledge to maintain it, even the best water systems eventually fail.

Caretakers learned practical skills like starting up filtration systems, conducting daily inspections, replacing worn parts, and monitoring water quality. Management committees reviewed their responsibilities for overseeing repairs, managing funds, and ensuring accountability.

"Safe water infrastructure delivers the greatest value when local systems are ready to manage and maintain it," said Lee Eunhyeok, KOFIH Uganda Program Manager. The project aims to reduce waterborne diseases by improving access to clean drinking water and handwashing facilities.

Silver Onyait Ochan, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Iganga District, said the training transformed coordination between schools, health facilities, and local government. Clear roles and reporting systems now help everyone work together to keep the facilities running.

At Victoria Nile Primary School, Headteacher Livingstone Mbago celebrated the confidence his team gained. They can now guide students, maintain safety standards, keep records, and report problems before small issues become big ones.

The Ripple Effect

The Busoga WASH Project extends far beyond the facilities themselves. When schools have reliable handwashing stations, children learn hygiene habits they carry home to their families.

Health centers with clean water can provide safer care to patients. Communities surrounding these facilities gain access to drinking water that won't make them sick.

Each trained caretaker becomes a resource for their entire community. They can troubleshoot problems, teach others basic maintenance, and ensure systems stay functional between professional service visits.

The project distributed maintenance manuals, reporting templates, and site-specific action plans to every facility. Local governments, schools, and health centers now have clear coordination systems linking everyone responsible for the infrastructure.

KOFIH's partner, the Community Chest of Korea, supports the initiative as part of broader efforts to prevent waterborne disease throughout the region. Districts across Busoga can now sustain these investments in public health for generations.

Communities that manage their own water systems gain more than clean drinking water—they gain control over their health futures.