Uganda's water and sanitation crisis

Out of its population of 47 million people, 38 million people (81% of the population) lack access to safe water. 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 stresses the water and sanitation services that exist.

Further, 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. And many families living in rural areas spend more than 30 minutes walking to collect the water their families need, taking time away from work and school.

However, there is positive momentum as the government of Uganda aims to have safe water and improved sanitation for everyone by 2030 and Water.org is well-positioned to help.

  • Stories of Impact

    Health and hope are flowing

    Namulondo is a hardworking health assistant at a local hospital and a loving single mom who has dedicated her life to caring for her children. A small, affordable loan helped Namulondo pay for a rain storage tank, providing her family with enough water for several months.

    Read more
    Namulondo
  • Stories of Impact

    Water makes dreams come true

    Water has the power to make dreams a reality. With a small, affordable loan made available to Rose by her local bank, Rose was able to give her family a long-term water solution. Now she has money to pay for her daughter's schooling, bringing to life Maggie's dream of becoming a nurse.

    Read more
    Maggie
  • Stories of Impact

    Lumiu gave his family water and a toilet

    “When our kids were young, they collected water and they used the outdoors instead of a toilet. It is common for kids here, but they were too young for such a task, and going outdoors isn’t safe. They needed rest, safety, and they needed time for school.” Lumiu did not like this way of life for their kids.

    Read more
    Zawelde and Lumiu

Uganda impact statistics

People reached 685,000

The number of people who now have access to safe water or sanitation and the health and opportunity they bring.

Capital mobilized (USD) $35.5 million

Our partners mobilize funds from capital markets to provide water and sanitation loans.

Loans disbursed 40,000

Our local partners make loans to people in need for life-changing safe water and sanitation solutions.

Number of active partners 6

We work with financial institutions, service providers, international agencies, and governments to make an impact.

Repayment rate 96%

Every repaid loan means another family in need can get affordable access to safe water at home.

Average loan size (USD) $871

Small loans can help make a big difference by providing long-term solutions for families in need around the world.

Percent of women borrowers 49%

Women are primarily responsible for household water collection and are solving the water crisis for their families.

Households living under $6.85/day 87%

We are committed to helping people living in poverty get access to safe water and sanitation solutions at home.

To help end the water crisis in Uganda, donate today.

Donate