Pearl Bank, World Vision Partner to Rehabilitate Water Sources in Kamwenge for Long-Term Sustainability Partnership leverages the WASH–KADWAMA loan facility to repair non-functional boreholes and strengthen community management systems for long-term sustainability.

Pearl Bank (formerly PostBank Uganda), World Vision Uganda, and Vision Fund International have announced a landmark partnership to rehabilitate water infrastructure across Kamwenge district.

The initiative will leverage the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) to Kamwenge District Water Management Association (KADWAMA) loan facility to repair non-functional boreholes and water sources, while strengthening community management systems to ensure long-term sustainability.

Despite Uganda’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, significant water access challenges persist in many rural communities.

According to the Uganda Water Supply Atlas, overall water access in Kamwenge district stands at 77 percent. However, communities continue to face critical barriers, including technical infrastructure failures, low water yield, and maintenance gaps that undermine the sustainability of existing water systems.

The partnership is expected to directly benefit communities by restoring functionality to critical water infrastructure, reducing the distance and time spent accessing clean water, and improving health outcomes and livelihoods.

In addition to rehabilitating water sources, the initiative will also focus on capacity building for local water management committees, equipping communities with the skills needed to sustainably manage and maintain their own water systems.

Speaking at the launch in Kamwenge district, Carolyn Andama, the Head of Public Sector at Pearl Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to financing solutions that create lasting social impact.

“A functioning water source is a lifeline for any community,” Andama said.

She noted that Pearl Bank’s purpose is to foster prosperity for Ugandans, which includes ensuring communities have access to clean water and the infrastructure that supports education, health, and economic opportunity.

Andama further explained that the partnership aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDPIV) priorities on water security and rural development.

“Through this initiative in Kamwenge, we are investing in the conditions that enable families and communities to build better lives and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth,” she added.

World Vision Uganda’s Program Operations Director, James Kaahwa, underscored the importance of safe water access for children and community resilience.

“Access to safe water is fundamental to the well-being of children and the resilience of families and communities. Through this partnership with Pearl Bank and Vision Fund International, we are restoring critical water sources in Kamwenge District while strengthening locally led systems that enable communities to sustainably manage and maintain their own water services,” Kaahwa said.

The initiative was also commended by Eng. Lamu Olweny, Commissioner for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, who applauded Pearl Bank, World Vision Uganda, and Vision Fund International for supporting community impact initiatives.

He noted that rehabilitating water sources will enable communities to access safe water, ultimately contributing to improved health and economic development in areas where the facilities will be stationed.

Kamwenge district will serve as the pilot district for the initiative, with plans underway to scale the model to more districts across Uganda.