The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has commissioned a newly constructed protected water spring in Rwaibare Cell, marking a significant step in expanding access to safe and clean water in the area.
The spring was constructed by North Kigezi Diocese WATSAN (NKKD WATSAN) with financial and technical support from the WATSAN UK Support Group. The project is expected to improve access to clean water for hundreds of residents, reducing reliance on unsafe sources and minimising the risk of waterborne diseases.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Rwaibare Cell, Bugangari Sub-county, brought together church leaders, community members, local government representatives, and members of the UK Support Group.
In his remarks, Bishop Asiimwe expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the project and extended appreciation to the Chairperson of the WATSAN UK Support Group, Eng. Graham Piper, for attending the ceremony. He also commended the Bikangiso family for donating the land on which the spring was constructed.
Emphasising the importance of water to human life, the Bishop urged residents to take collective responsibility for maintaining the facility to ensure its long-term sustainability.
“This is an interdenominational faith project. It is not for Catholics, Anglicans, or Muslims alone—it is for everyone. Water is life, and everyone needs it. Let us maintain it well,” he said.
Eng. Graham Piper noted that trustees were pleased to witness clean water flowing from the spring, describing it as evidence that their mission of supporting life-changing community projects is being fulfilled. He commended the local community for actively participating in the construction process, including transporting materials and offering logistical support.
Dr. Phillipa Piper encouraged residents to live in love and unity, describing the spring as a practical demonstration of Christian compassion in action. She observed that access to safe water would significantly reduce illnesses linked to contaminated sources.
Sustainability Mobiliser Marius Katunguka called on residents to safeguard the facility by maintaining the protective fence, preventing animals from accessing the spring, trimming surrounding vegetation, and ensuring proper drainage to protect the structure.
The Coordinator of NKKD WATSAN, Rev. Moses Kabareebe, highlighted the department’s achievements, including the construction of 16 gravity flow water schemes and more than 100 protected springs—both ordinary and low-yielding—across the diocese.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges such as limited donor funding and insufficient community ownership in some project areas. Rev. Kabareebe noted that this was the first project commissioned under his leadership and the first of its kind for Eng. Graham Piper to commission in Uganda.
The Chairperson and caretaker of the spring, Isaiah Turyahumura, thanked residents for their cooperation and commitment, expressing optimism that the availability of clean water would protect families from diseases associated with unsafe sources.
The Archdeacon of Bugangari Archdeaconry, Ven. Erasmus Barangirana, observed that improved access to safe water would enhance community productivity by reducing illnesses such as typhoid, enabling residents to better engage in economic and social activities.
Speaking on behalf of the government, District Youth Councillor Harmony Tumwesigye commended the WATSAN UK Support Group for its continued contribution to community development and pledged sustained collaboration in initiatives aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
The commissioning of the protected spring underscores the Diocese’s commitment to holistic ministry—addressing both spiritual and physical needs—and highlights the impact of partnerships between local communities and international supporters in advancing sustainable development.
