Access to clean and safe water remains a major challenge across Uganda's Busoga sub-region, where rapid population growth continues to place pressure on limited water sources.
In several communities in Luuka, Kamuli and Jinja districts, residents have for years struggled with water scarcity, a challenge that has affected public health, education and household livelihoods.
In response, the Anadolu Foundation, a non-profit organization led by Iddi Menya, has launched a series of water projects aimed at improving access to safe water in some of the region's most underserved communities.
One of the beneficiaries is Nanvunano A Village in Busiiro Parish, Waibuga Sub-county, Luuka District, where more than 800 residents have been relying on a single community borehole.
The shortage has forced many villagers, especially women and children, to walk long distances in search of water.
According to village LC1 Chairperson Haruna Batambula, the lack of sufficient water sources has contributed to a range of social and health challenges.
"When women spend long hours fetching water from distant sources, it often creates suspicion in families, leading to domestic disputes," Batambula said.
"Children are also affected because they spend time looking for water instead of attending school, which leads to dropouts."
To address the problem, Anadolu Foundation drilled a new borehole at Busiiro Muslim Primary School, providing clean water for both learners and surrounding residents.
While commissioning the facility, Menya emphasized the importance of water in improving lives and supporting religious practices.
"Water is life. Every person needs it not only for domestic use but also for religious practices such as ablution, which is mandatory for Muslim prayers. That is why we deemed it necessary to extend this service to this community," he said.
Menya encouraged the school administration to ensure that community members also benefit from the new water source.
The school's headteacher, Ibrahim Mapaalu, welcomed the intervention, saying water shortages had previously disrupted both learning and religious activities.
"Learners have been spending valuable time fetching water from distant places, which affects their studies and participation in daily prayers. This borehole will greatly improve the situation," Mapaalu said.
The foundation's interventions have also reached Kamuli District, where another borehole was commissioned for residents in Namaganda-Buliso, Kisozi Rural Sub-county.
Community members expressed relief, saying the project would reduce the burden of searching for water and improve sanitation and hygiene standards.
Sheikh Musa Mpaaso commended the initiative, noting that the borehole would serve both domestic and religious needs.
"Our focus is on schools and communities with low water coverage to reduce the time people spend fetching water from unsafe sources such as wetlands," Menya added.
In Jinja District, Anadolu Foundation commissioned a modern solar-powered water system at Busedde Seed Secondary School, a project expected to significantly lower the institution's operating costs while ensuring a reliable supply of clean water.
Deputy Headteacher Mwogerelwa Hamuza Kiranda said the school had been spending approximately Shs4 million per term on water.
"This facility will greatly reduce our expenditure and ensure a steady supply of clean water for our learners," he said.
Menya stressed the importance of maintaining the facility to ensure long-term benefits and prevent waterborne diseases.
The project also benefited residents of Namazingiri Village in Busedde Sub-county, many of whom previously depended on unsafe water sources.
Busedde Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Tibita Abubakar Musobya urged residents to protect the new infrastructure by establishing a water user committee to oversee maintenance and proper use of the facility.
As Anadolu Foundation expands its clean water initiatives across Busoga, local leaders say the projects are expected to improve health outcomes, boost school attendance, reduce the burden on women and children, and enhance overall community wellbeing.