In Kayunga District, central Uganda, water is more than just a basic need—it is the heartbeat of community life. For years, families here struggled with broken boreholes, forcing them to fetch unsafe water from swamps and shallow wells. Every day began with the same question: where will we find water today?
But the story of one borehole in Kayunga shows how a simple act of repair can transform an entire community.
At dawn, women and children used to set out with yellow jerrycans, walking long distances to fetch water. The water they found was often dirty and unsafe, leading to frequent cases of diarrhea and typhoid. Girls, in particular, missed school because they had to spend hours searching for water.
Today, thanks to the repaired borehole, the scene is different. Just a short walk from their homes, families gather to pump clean water. Children laugh as they help their mothers, and the morning air is filled with hope instead of worry.
With clean water nearby, families now have more time for productive work. Farmers in Kayunga can water their crops and tend to their animals without fear of disease outbreaks caused by unsafe sources. Small businesses, like food stalls and tea shops, thrive because they can use clean water safely.
For women like Sarah, the borehole has meant freedom. “I used to spend four hours walking for water,” she explains. “Now I use that time to make crafts, which I sell in the market. My children are in school, and I can pay their fees.”
At Kayunga Primary School, teachers noticed a remarkable change after the borehole repair. Children are healthier and more attentive. Girls, especially, are staying in class rather than missing school to collect water.
The headteacher puts it simply: “Clean water is education. Without it, our children cannot learn.”
As the day winds down, the borehole becomes more than just a water point—it is a place of community. Neighbors meet, share stories, and plan together. The water user committee, made up of local volunteers, collects small contributions to maintain the borehole and ensure it keeps running.
What was once a source of conflict—fighting over scarce, unsafe water—has become a symbol of unity.
The repaired borehole in Kayunga may seem like a small achievement, but its impact is enormous. It has improved health, reduced the burden on women and girls, boosted education, and strengthened livelihoods.
This story shows that access to clean water is not just about quenching thirst—it is about dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Well Roots Foundation Inc. is a non-profit, non-political organization committed to restoring dignity and opportunity by providing clean, safe, and sustainable drinking water to primary schools and rural communities in Uganda.
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