First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has called on leaders, development partners and communities to embrace the spirit of service championed by Nelson Mandela by investing in initiatives that improve the lives of vulnerable communities, especially school-going children.
Kadaga made the remarks during Nelson Mandela Day celebrations held under the theme, “Safe Water. Healthy Learners. Bright Future,” where 250 ceramic water purification filters were donated to five primary schools in Jinja District to improve access to safe drinking water and promote healthier learning environments.
“Nelson Mandela’s legacy reminds us that true leadership is measured by service to others. Initiatives that provide safe water to our children are investments in Uganda’s future because healthy learners become productive citizens,” Kadaga said.
The beneficiary schools were Spire Road Primary School, Buwenda Primary School, Uganda Railway Primary School, Ripples of Hope Primary School and Lakesite Primary School.
The event brought together government leaders, the United States Embassy in Uganda, development partners, educators, parents, learners and community members to celebrate Mandela’s legacy through community service.
The CleanSIP Campaign was spearheaded by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network Uganda in partnership with Spouts of Water, following a needs assessment that identified inadequate access to safe drinking water as a major contributor to illness, absenteeism and poor academic performance among learners.
Kevan Higgins, Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Uganda, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting young African leaders through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellowship.
“When we invest in young leaders, we invest in long-term partnerships between our people,” Higgins said.
He congratulated the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network and its President, Bugingo Don Patrick, for mobilising partners to implement the CleanSIP Campaign.
Bugingo said the initiative reflects Nelson Mandela’s values of leadership, hope and service, adding that fellowship alumni have a responsibility to use their skills and opportunities to create lasting change in their communities.
He said the campaign was informed by research showing that many schools lack access to safe drinking water, affecting children’s health and education outcomes.
Bugingo urged school administrators, teachers and learners to protect the donated water filters to ensure they continue benefiting future generations.
Representing CINAT Group, Chief Executive Officer Katende Jackson said the campaign demonstrates the power of partnerships in addressing challenges affecting children.
He said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to improving community health and expressed optimism that the programme would expand beyond Jinja District to benefit more schools across Uganda.
Organisers said the CleanSIP Campaign is expected to reduce waterborne diseases, improve school attendance and create healthier learning environments while advancing Nelson Mandela’s values of service, dignity, compassion and social responsibility.
