Uganda Scouts Provide Clean Water to Over 6,000 People
Access to clean water remains a critical issue in Uganda, where millions still rely on unsafe sources. The Uganda Scouts for Clean Water project, implemented by Mercy Scouts in partnership with Mbale Scouts and the Mbale City Scout Council, has successfully brought safe water to communities in dire need. Thanks to funding from the Scout Donation Platform, this initiative has transformed lives by digging two boreholes and constructing two protected spring wells, directly benefiting over 6,200 people across multiple villages. This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by ensuring equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, while also contributing to Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing waterborne diseases and improving overall community health.
Lack of clean water contributes to severe health crises, including diarrhoea, stunted growth, and malnutrition—especially among children under five. By providing sustainable water sources, this initiative significantly reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases and improves overall community health. In many communities, children—especially girls—spend hours walking long distances to fetch water, keeping them out of school. With the new boreholes and protected wells, young people now have more time to attend classes, study, and build brighter futures.
The burden of water collection often falls on women and girls, limiting their opportunities for education and income-generating activities. The water project alleviates this burden, allowing women to focus on entrepreneurship and personal development. For Mary Namono from Afia Namunsi, life before the borehole meant daily struggles with long walks and contaminated water. Now, clean water is just steps away from her home, improving her family's health and giving her more time to focus on her small business and her children’s education.
This initiative demonstrates the power of Scouting and community-driven change, but the need for clean water in Uganda remains vast. More boreholes and protected wells are needed to reach additional communities. Join us in this mission! Your donations to the Scout Donation Platform can help expand this project, ensuring more families have access to clean water, better health, and brighter futures. Donate today and be part of the change!