Uganda

Uganda Girl

Our Solutions

Our work in Kaberamaido & Kalaki makes transformational change across these key areas:

Safe Water

We build and fix wells, protect springs, build rainwater harvest tanks, and install water filters. We train water user committees to ensure long term sustainability of our solutions.

Sanitation

We build drainable latrines at schools.

Hygiene

We build and install handwashing stations and educate communities on basic hygiene practices and soap making.

Menstrual Health

We educate school girls about menstrual management, hygiene, breaking stigma, building sisterhood and reusable pad-making.

Historical Context

In every country Surge works, we pay close attention to the remnants of the colonial past and take steps to ensure that our work is an active part of decolonization.

With its profusion of brilliant life, Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa. However, the country has struggled through decades of oppression, violence, and hardship, including as a British colony (1894-1962); the Idi Amin Dictatorship (1971-1979); the Ugandan Bush War (1981-1986); and the Lord’s Resistance Army (1988-2006).

The Issue Addressed

In a country of 41 million people, 24 million lack access to safe water and 29 million lack access to improved sanitation.

Kaberamaido and Kalaki are eastern districts, home to 220,000 people. Heavily contaminated lake water and unprotected springs are the main drinking water sources. Additionally, 80% live below the poverty line, 11% are orphans and vulnerable children, and 7% are HIV positive. While over 70% of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood, hunger is pervasive. These districts are often self-described as “forgotten” lands.

Despite these challenges, the district leaders and people are committed to building a more prosperous future where everyone has access to a decent education, good health and economic opportunities. We work hand in hand with community-based organizations and local leaders to help deliver their solutions to secure safe water, build toilets, and support menstrual health and hygiene.

Our Work

Latest updates in 'Uganda'

Isina Naume

The rehabilitation of [our] well has significantly improved my life. It used to be so hard to pump and would break down all the time. Now I save so much time – I can cook, clean, farm, and look after my children instead of searching for water. It used to be very often that we did not have water at home for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The lives of our entire household have changed!

Isina Naume
Abwongo Jennifer

Now that the water source is fixed, it has brought life back to our community. Sometimes we just come here to meet our friends.

Abwongo Jennifer
Atim Grace

I am the main water collector in my family. With an improved water source, it has been a lot easier to get water. I also have a filter at home, which allows me to cook and do the washing much more efficiently.

Atim Grace
Imaata Margaret Of Aburkot Water Users

In my village, women and children bear the heaviest load of domestic work, including fetching water. This was worse before the rehabilitation of our borehole. With the easy to pump borehole now at our disposal, we shall now be able to get into, remain, and progress in our economic ventures, hence improved livelihoods.

Imaata Margaret

Testimonials

Stories that Connect Us

Every story of change inspires us. It reminds us that no matter our background, we’re all connected by a shared humanity – we’re mothers, fathers, daughters & sons – and we all need access to life’s basic needs to survive and thrive. Each person and community featured has owned their transformation and they continue to motivate us to work hand in hand with them to help create a happier world!

Our Field Partners in Uganda

Surge is led by a highly committed, experienced, global team – dedicated to our mission

Florence Ringe

Florence Ringe

Executive Director, POPOW, Uganda

Godwin Uganda

Godwin Ogenrwot

Program Manager, POPOW, Uganda