Stories
March 22, 2025 • 3 min read
Busolo, a small community in the heart of Kapyanga sub-county, Bugiri District, Uganda, has long struggled with access to clean water. With boreholes deteriorating due to overuse, residents were left with few reliable options. However, the launch of the Busolo Piped Water Scheme—implemented by GOAL with support from charity: water—has transformed daily life. Now, clean water flows freely throughout the community, improving health and well-being for all.
Addressing a Critical Need
For years, the people of Busolo struggled with limited access to safe water. In 2018, GOAL Uganda was made aware of the community’s challenges, and conducted a Water and Sanitation Needs Assessment in the region. The results were stark: a community in need of a sustainable solution. Residents relied on just two overworked boreholes serving over 31,000 people, leading to long queues and limited water supplies. Community members, particularly women were forced to spend hours on foot to reach distant and often contaminated water sources, putting their health at risk.
Overcoming Challenges to Find Water
Recognising this urgent need, GOAL Uganda, with support from charity: water, embarked on an ambitious project to provide a sustainable solution. After completing the construction, GOAL Uganda officially commissioned the Busolo piped water scheme in Bugiri District, Eastern Uganda, in September 2024. However, the journey to clean water was not easy. Several attempts to drill boreholes in Busolo were unsuccessful, due to difficult groundwater conditions. Despite these challenges, the team remained determined to succeed. After multiple setbacks, a breakthrough finally came—a high-capacity production well was successfully drilled in Bugunga village, providing a strong and reliable water source. This achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation.
A Sustainable Water Solution
The newly established high-capacity production well is powered by a 37.5KW solar system and provides sustainable and environmentally friendly water supplies to the community. As a result of this scheme, clean water now reaches 11 communities across the Bugunga and Namukonge parishes, significantly improving access for local households, schools, and health centres. Water is pumped to a 150,000-litre reservoir and transported through a 4.35km transmission line, before being distributed through a 33km pipeline network, ensuring a reliable supply of clean water to all households.
The impact of this initiative was immediate and profound. The once-burdensome task of fetching clean water has been eased, particularly for women and children. The improved water access has also enhanced hygiene in schools and health centres, contributing to better public health. Additionally, a pre-payment system at public water points—charging only 50 Uganda Shillings (€0.01) per jerrycan—ensures the scheme remains affordable and sustainable for all.
A Renewed Sense of Hope
The scheme was officially handed over to the Eastern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation for management, marking a significant milestone in ensuring continued clean water access for thousands of residents.
Speaking at the commissioning event, Gilbert Kituuma, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bugiri District, commended GOAL for its commitment to supporting the community of Bugiri:
“GOAL has done us great, and as a government, we are very appreciative. Government cannot work in isolation. You need good allies to stand with you, and I must say that GOAL, you have really proven that you have been the best ally to the Ugandan government.”
With the Busolo piped water scheme now fully operational, the people of Bugiri have a renewed sense of hope. Through strong partnerships and community involvement, GOAL continues to support sustainable water solutions, ensuring clean water access remains a lasting reality for all.
