BUKOSE, uGANDA

Bukose village, located in Bugaya Sub-county of Buyende District in Eastern Uganda, is home to 1,504 residents across 188 households, primarily engaged in agriculture and livestock rearing. Despite strong community organization, access to clean and safe water remains a critical challenge. Most residents rely on an open, unprotected spring located in a valley—leading to increased cases of Typhoid, hygiene concerns, and heightened safety risks for women and children who walk long distances to collect water.
Engineers Without Borders–Uganda Country Office, together with Love in Action and local government partners, is working with the Bukose community to identify and develop a sustainable water supply solution that will improve health, safety, and daily life for families across the village.

The Village Chairperson addressing the team

Current progress

A field vetting visit was conducted in November 2023 by EWB-EA staff along with local leaders from the sub-county and district. The community expressed unanimous support for establishing an improved water source—preferably a borehole with a hand pump—and demonstrated readiness to meet the 5% contribution required under the Integrated Community Program (ICP).
Local officials acknowledged the urgent need, noting that the nearest functional hand pump is 4 km away and district water coverage remains low (41.6%). The community has committed to donating land for the project, raising funds through agricultural sales, and forming an operation and maintenance committee to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Sub county chief speaks to the gathering

PROJECT SCOPE

Water System Development:

  • Construction of a borehole fitted with a hand pump to serve Bukose village

  • Community contribution of 5% in cash and in-kind support

  • Establishment and training of a local water user committee

  • Development of an operation and maintenance plan, including water user fees

  • Community education on hygiene, sanitation, and safe water practices

Estimated Project Cost: $8,000–$10,000

A photo of a community member demonstrating how they obtain water

IMPACT

A new borehole in Bukose will dramatically improve access to clean and safe water, reducing Typhoid cases and lowering health risks associated with contaminated sources. Women and children—who currently spend hours walking to distant water points—will regain time for school, work, and family life.
Beyond improved health and safety, the project strengthens community ownership through financial contribution, local leadership, and long-term management planning. This investment will provide a foundation for future development and reduce reliance on unsafe seasonal springs.

how to get involved

Support is needed to finalize and implement Bukose’s new water system. Community members have pledged their contribution, but additional funding is required to complete construction and sustainability training.
You can get involved by offering financial support, partnering with local organizations, or sharing this project with those interested in providing safe water solutions for underserved communities in Eastern Uganda.

DONATE

Contact information

For more information or to support this project, please contact EWB-EA or the partnering organization, Love in Action.