Prudential Uganda, in partnership with Tusafishe Limited, has completed an eight-month project that delivered safe drinking water and environmental education to thousands of Ugandans. The Prudential Climate and Health Resilience Fund, launched by the Prudence Foundation, installed 71 institutional purification systems and 40 domestic filters. These now provide schools and households with daily clean water.
A lifeline for rural schools and communities
The new systems produce thousands of liters of water each day, even without electricity. This makes them ideal for remote rural areas. According to UNICEF, almost 38% of Ugandans lack access to safe drinking water. Schools often depend on unprotected springs or boreholes that run dry or become contaminated.
Research shows how water insecurity harms education. A 2017 Global Mental Health study found that children in rural Uganda missed more school when water supplies were unreliable. Even a small increase in water insecurity resulted in 0.30 extra missed school days per child per week. Over time, this adds up to major learning losses.
By delivering clean water to 71 schools across Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamuli, Mbale, and Sironko, Prudential Uganda has improved the lives of 119,562 people.
“Without clean water, everything else is harder”
At the handover ceremony in Kamuli, Prudential Uganda CEO Tetteh Ayitevie explained the wider impact:
“Without clean water, everything else is harder. A sick child can’t learn properly.”
In Uganda, 70% of all diseases treated come from unsafe water or poor hygiene. Ayitevie highlighted three clear goals of the initiative:
- Protect children and communities from waterborne diseases.
- Promote climate resilience through tree planting and environmental education.
- Invest in sustainable solutions that protect health and the planet.
He added that seeing these results made it one of Prudential Uganda’s proudest achievements.
Reaching hard-to-access communities
For Tusafishe CEO Henry Othieno, the project showed both commitment and resilience.
“Some schools are in very remote areas, and transporting materials was difficult,” he said. “But every child deserves safe water.”
Tusafishe combined its purification technology with Prudential’s community focus to deliver systems that are effective and sustainable.
Beyond water: climate resilience and education
The project went further than water provision. It created Water and Environment Clubs in all 71 schools and trained 537 community members. These clubs ensure proper system maintenance and promote sustainable practices.
In addition, partners planted more than 3,000 moringa and fruit trees. These improve local nutrition, restore forest cover, and help fight climate change.
Building healthier, more resilient communities
By providing safe drinking water, environmental training, and tree planting, Prudential Uganda has given rural communities the tools for healthier, more resilient lives. The project reduces disease, supports learning, and protects the environment.
As water insecurity continues to challenge Uganda, such public-private partnerships prove that sustainable development is possible. With the right investment, every child can grow up with clean water and a brighter future.
