Uganda Projects

Wera Development Agency trains masons on tank construction, Amuria district, Uganda. Source: URWA

Uganda Rainwater Association (URWA) promotes rainwater management for sustainable domestic water supply; production; and environmental conservation in Uganda. URWA helps build rainwater harvesting (RWH) capacity development services in a number of ways through training; technical assistance; consultancy services; advocacy; research and development; and networking.

Our Current Projects

Capacity Building and Training in Yumbe District (2010–2011)

This project involves a partnership between URWA, the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), and Yumbe District Local Government (DLG). The purpose of the project is to train women’s groups and hand pump mechanics inYumbe district in the construction of simple, domestic rainwater harvesting (RWH) jars and ferrocement tanks. The project aims to increase the technical capabilities of the local community; increase awareness and access to low-cost domestic RWH; and reduce the cost of domestic RWH. Kemeru village in Kuru sub-county was chosen as the first target village, and the training has been very successful with 15 people trained and the successful construction of a 2m³ timber mould, two water jars of 2,000 litres capacity, and two ferrocement tanks of 6m³ capacity. Now that the initial training is complete, the project will continue with the trainees being supported to construct RWH for households, and to train others in different districts. Read more detail on URWA projects: URWA Projects and Activities_2010-11

Capacity Building and Training in Adjumani District (2010–2011)

In Adjumani district, a similar project to Yumbe has been taking place. Again, URWA has partnered with SNV and Adjumani DLG, to train women’s groups in the rural areas, and the existing carpenters and small contractors in the town areas. Ten trainees were successfully trained and equipped with skills in RWH. The result was a 2m³ timber mould,  two water jars of 2,000 litres capacity, and two ferrocement tanks of 6m³ capacity.and Read more detail on URWA projects: URWA Projects and Activities_2010-11

Research and Development – 3,000 Litre Water Jar and Drip Irrigation (2010–2011)

URWA continues to be involved in research and development of different RWH technologies. Recently, URWA has worked with Makerere University Civil Engineering department to develop a 3,000 litre water jar with a modified filtration and flush system. The structure is currently being tested at the Busoga Trust. URWA has also conducted field visits to Kenya Rainwater Association (KRA) projects and to a private company in Uganda, AGROMAX, to learn more about drip irrigation and its potential for increasing the effectiveness of RWH and so improving farmers’ livelihoods. Read more detail on URWA projects: URWA Projects and Activities_2010-11

Advocacy – Ministry of Water and Busoga Trust (2011)

URWA is involved in a variety of advocacy activities to try to push RWH further to the front of the political agenda in Uganda. Examples of recent events include a Joint Sector Review meeting held by the Ministry of Water and Environment (URWA attended and set up an awareness-raising stand); and a World Walks for Water 2011 event held by the Busoga Trust. Read more detail on URWA projects: URWA Projects and Activities_2010-11