BUBINGA, uGANDA

Bubinga village, located in Kiwanyi Sub-County of Namutumba District in Eastern Uganda, is home to approximately 800 residents across 120 households. The community relies heavily on agriculture but faces ongoing challenges accessing clean and safe water. With only one distant and overcrowded borehole shared with a neighboring village—and an open spring that is unsafe and exposed—residents experience frequent illness, long travel times, and safety risks, especially for women and children.
Engineers Without Borders (EWB) East Africa, in partnership with Initiative for Community Empowerment and local government leaders, is working with the Bubinga community to explore a sustainable water supply solution that can meet the community’s urgent needs.

The Local Council Vice Chairperson addressing the meeting

CURRENT PROGRESS

A vetting visit conducted in November 2023 brought together EWB-EA staff, local council leaders, the district water officer, and community members. During the visit, residents openly discussed challenges such as long distances to water sources, contaminated swamp water, overcrowding at the shared borehole, and reduced school attendance for children who fetch water.
The community demonstrated strong organization and commitment to the Integrated Community Program (ICP). They have already secured land for the proposed water point and expressed readiness to provide the full 5% cash and in-kind contributions through household fundraising, agricultural sales, and volunteer labor. Local authorities also voiced strong support for the initiative and emphasized the urgency of addressing the area’s water scarcity.

PROJECT SCOPE

Water System Development:

  • Drilling and installation of a new borehole with a hand pump to serve Bubinga village

  • Community contribution of 5% cash and in-kind support (land, labor, and materials)

  • Formation and training of a water user committee to manage operations and maintenance

  • Establishment of a household water fee system to support long-term sustainability

  • Community sensitization on hygiene, sanitation, and protection of water sources

Estimated Cost: $10,000–$15,000

iMPACT

A reliable water source in Bubinga will significantly improve health, reduce cases of typhoid and diarrhea, and enhance safety by eliminating long, risky walks to distant water points. Children—particularly girls—will spend less time fetching water, improving school attendance and academic performance.
The project also strengthens community ownership through contributions of land, funds, labor, and long-term management planning. A dependable water supply will improve livelihoods, productivity, and overall well-being for the families of Bubinga.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

The people of Bubinga are committed to supporting the project, but additional funding and technical support are needed to complete the drilling and installation of the borehole. Partners and donors can contribute through financial support, collaboration with local organizations, or by sharing the project with others interested in expanding access to clean water in Eastern Uganda.
Your involvement will help bring safe drinking water closer to families who need it most and ensure that Bubinga’s next generation grows up healthier and more resilient.

DONATE

Contact information

For more information or to support this project, please contact EWB-East Africa or the partnering organization, Initiative for Community Empowerment (ICE).