Kadugala SS Officials receiving the Shs4m support from Peace Ayebazibwe (Right), the Executive Director of Housing Finance Bank.
Access to clean drinking water remains a significant challenge in Uganda, particularly for schoolchildren in underserved areas.
According to UNICEF, approximately 30% of Ugandans lack access to safe drinking water, with schools being among the hardest hit. Data from the Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports reveals that only 35% of primary schools have access to clean water, while more than 70% of all schools lack basic sanitation facilities.
This situation contributes to high rates of waterborne diseases and student absenteeism, severely impacting education outcomes.
In response to this pressing issue, Housing Finance Bank (HFB) has introduced the Water and Sanitation product, a sustainable initiative designed to improve access to clean water in schools and communities.
The Water and Sanitation product ensures that individuals and business enterprises can afford water and hygiene facilities at affordable interest rates. As part of this effort, HFB has invested over UGX 8 million to install water harvesting systems at Maganjo UMEA Primary School in Nansana Municipality and Kadugala S.S. in Masaka.
This initiative directly benefits over 1,000 students, providing them with a consistent and safe water supply essential for their health, hygiene, and overall well-being.
Through the installation of water harvesting tanks, HFB is not only ensuring access to clean drinking water but also addressing sanitation challenges that contribute to disease outbreaks.
“The introduction of the Water and Sanitation product is part of our broader strategy to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene in underserved communities across Uganda,” said Peace Ayebazibwe, Executive Director of Housing Finance Bank. “Through partnerships with organizations like WaterQuip, we are making clean water solutions accessible to schools and communities that otherwise lack the resources to implement such systems. This ensures long-term sustainability, benefiting not only the students but also the surrounding communities.”
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remain a key priority for HFB, not just as a corporate social responsibility program but as a core initiative aimed at improving the living conditions of communities.
The bank is actively tackling the twin challenges of inadequate clean water access and poor sanitation, which disproportionately affect school-going children, particularly in rural areas.
HFB’s continued investment in school water infrastructure not only supports national development efforts but also strengthens Uganda’s progress toward achieving key SDGs.
Globally, access to clean water and proper sanitation are critical components of sustainable development. HFB’s efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). These goals emphasize the urgent need to enhance water security and sanitation, both of which play a crucial role in public health and education.
As Housing Finance Bank continues to expand sustainability initiatives, it remains dedicated to addressing water and sanitation challenges, building a healthier and more resilient foundation for Uganda’s future.
To assess clean water solutions, contact the Bank directly on 0800211082.
