On 24th September 2024, ACORD Uganda handed over a 165 million solar-powered water supply system to the Karuyenje B community and a 20,000-liter rainwater harvesting tank to Kaguhanzya Primary School in Mbarara District. The project was launched by the Woman MP for Mbarara District Hon. Ayebare Margaret Rwebyabu in the presence of Kazibwe Abubakar B. the assistant RDC of Mbarara, Muhwezi David the CAO Mbarara, LC5 designate Tumuhairwe Jennifer and the ACORD Uganda team represented by the Country Director Ms. Bajenja Ellen Kajura and the Deputy Country Director and Director Programmes Mr. Ddamulira Dunstan Paul.
The project is part of the broader initiative “Scaling up Supporting Women Groups to Improve Resilience to the Effects of Climate Change in South West Uganda” (Phase 2, 2023-2025) funded by Bread for the World and supported by Mbarara District and the local community. It aims to provide safe clean water to over 400 people and 500 pupils, improve health, reduce water collection time hence enabling education and productive activities, particularly for women and children, and support climate adaptation efforts.
During her speech, the ACORD Country Director Ms. Bajenja Ellen Kajura encouraged the community to take ownership of the system to ensure its sustainability and asked Mbarara District to expand access to water and renewable energy solutions to nearby villages.
The successful handover of the solar-powered water supply system and rainwater harvesting tank marks a significant achievement in improving health and sanitation for Karuyenje B and Kaguhanzya. The project is projected to enhance resilience to climate change and promote sustainable development in the region.