SICPA Uganda partners with NWSC to bring clean water to Eastern Uganda

This initiative is yet another community-based CSR activity by SICPA Uganda. In 2020, the company donated five new Type B ambulances to the Ministry of Health to support COVID-19 response efforts.

In a unique partnership, SICPA Uganda, a global leader in authentication, identification and secure traceability solutions has joined forces with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to improve access to clean water and sanitation in the Eastern districts of Bugiri, Tororo and Busia.

This comes after SICPA Uganda commissioned a new water pipe system at Ndifakulya Primary School in Bugiri, bringing an end to a great trek of both pupils and staff in search of water.

Pupils at Ndifakulya Primary School, Kapyang sub-county have been trekking for over three kilometres to fetch water from a borehole that serves a population of over five hundred people.

According to Proscovia Muganga, the Deputy Head Teacher Ndifakulya, pupils must first cross the busy main highway to be able to move to the borehole which has exposed them to a high risk of being knocked by speeding vehicles.

“Vehicles especially long-distance trailers normally move at a very high speed since this is a slope claiming the lives of many of our pupils,” she said.

Muganga said the situation is made worse for girls who deserve more water to clean themselves, especially during their menstruation periods.

Muganga said surprisingly most of the drivers involved in knocking down pupils escape arrest due to the absence of traffic personnel along the main highway.

“These motorists always take advantage of the absence of traffic at the spot to just drive away after the accident leaving instead of being answerable for their offences they would have committed “he said.

Therefore, it came as a joyous relief after SICPA Uganda’s collaboration with NWSC ensured the commission of three water points to supply clean water to the school and the surrounding areas.

The General Manager of SICPA Uganda Suzan Kitariko, said the organization in close collaboration with local partners is dedicating resources towards setting up 30 public service points across the districts of Bugiri, Busia, and Tororo to improve the living standards of underserved communities as part of the organization's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Kitariko said the initiative not only represents the improvement of infrastructure in the target areas but also lays the groundwork for a healthier more prosperous for thousands of Ugandans.

“ By joining forces with the NWSC and the communities we serve, we are not only addressing a critical need but also laying the groundwork for a healthier, more prosperous future for thousands of Ugandans. Our vision is to create a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond water access,” Kitariko said.

The LC 3 chairman of Kapyang subcounty Francia Emusungutu urged other companies to emulate SICPA by coming up with similar projects geared towards the general well-being of communities especially, access to clean water among others.

Emusugutu said almost half of the 322,000 population in the Kapyang sub-county trek long distances to fetch water from three scattered boreholes.

The Area Manager NWSC,Mable Abaho told Nile Post that the corporation is set to construct a new water treatment plant in Waka Waka, Bugiri District. The move is part of efforts to improve the existing facility and meet the increasing water needs of the region.

The District Speaker Bugiri, Moses Kaziba decried the shortage of funds from the government to help the community improve water coverage.

Kaziba said this financial year the district only received funds meant for drilling 19 boreholes in the entire district yet 197 are required.

He said out of 157 government-aided primary schools spread in the entire district only four have boreholes to provide clean water to the learners.

“Pupils in the remaining schools must move for long distances to fetch water which also affects their performance in class “he said.

Also at the same event, SICPA Uganda launched the Ndifakulya Orchard, by planting over 500 fruit trees at the school premises.

This initiative is yet another community-based CSR activity by SICPA Uganda. In 2020, the company donated five new Type B ambulances to the Ministry of Health to support COVID-19 response efforts.