By Beatrice Nakibuuka
For years, refugees in the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, many of whom fled conflict in South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya, walked long distances under the scorching sun to fetch water. Today, that hardship is easing. Two newly commissioned solar hybrid piped water systems are restoring dignity, health, and hope to more than 165,000 people who call the settlement home.
The systems, funded by the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), form part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable water access for both refugees and host communities in mid-western Uganda.
From long treks to nearby taps
Just months ago, collecting water was a daily ordeal for thousands. Habib Ahmad, a 30-year-old refugee from Sudan, recalls spending nearly an entire day walking three kilometres to the nearest water point.
“Now, I just walk a few metres. It takes me 10 or 15 minutes, and I am done. UNICEF and the donor, the European Union, have solved our water problem. People were really suffering,” he says.
His story is echoed across Clusters C and G—two of the most densely populated zones, where the new systems now bring clean water within easy reach of households.
A greener, more sustainable solution
The solar-hybrid systems were completed between July and October 2025. They draw water from deep production wells using submersible pumps powered mainly by 45 solar panels, with diesel generators providing backup at night or on cloudy days.
Water is pumped through 2.6 kilometres of transmission pipes to two elevated reservoirs, each holding 108 cubic metres. From there, gravity moves the water through 4.6 kilometres of distribution pipes to 22 public standposts across the settlement, where residents can collect clean water free of charge.
UNICEF engineers say the hybrid model guarantees uninterrupted supply while cutting fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions.
“This project demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to greening its humanitarian aid,” says Liam Kelly, Head of EU Humanitarian Aid in Uganda.
Meeting global standards
Before installation of the new systems, residents were receiving only nine litres of water per person per day, less than half the internationally accepted minimum of 20 litres under the Sphere humanitarian standards.
The new infrastructure now meets these global standards, providing at least 20 litres per person daily.
Dr Robin Nandy, UNICEF’s Representative to Uganda, described the project as a milestone in humanitarian service delivery.
“Our partnership with the European Union has been instrumental in providing round-the-clock access to safe water,” he said. “Access to clean water is a fundamental right for children and their families. With these systems now operational, refugees and host communities will no longer have to trek long hours in search of this basic service.”
Replacing the costly water-trucking model
Until recently, Kiryandongo relied heavily on water trucking, a costly and unsustainable approach introduced after the arrival of new refugees in 2023 overwhelmed existing facilities. Trucks delivered thousands of litres of water daily, placing pressure on humanitarian budgets and contributing to environmental degradation.
The solar-hybrid systems now offer a more reliable and eco-friendly alternative.
Health, social impact
Beyond convenience, the impact is deeply transformative. In most refugee households, women and children shoulder the burden of collecting water, often waking before dawn and walking long distances with heavy jerrycans. With water now just minutes away, women have more time for income-generating activities, while girls can attend school consistently.
“Now that the taps are close, I can help my mother fetch water quickly and still go to school on time,” says 13-year-old Amina, a pupil at Canrom Primary School.
The systems also enhance public health. Reliable access to clean water reduces outbreaks of diarrhoea, skin infections, and other waterborne diseases. At Canrom Primary School, which has over 4,000 learners, the new water supply will improve hygiene, support handwashing, and reduce absenteeism.
Building resilience and a model for the future
The hybrid design, combining solar and diesel energy, is built for resilience in both humanitarian and development settings.
“This design is not just about water; it is about sustainability and climate resilience,” notes a UNICEF water specialist. “It shows how clean energy can power essential services even in remote and crisis-affected areas.”
Uganda, which hosts more than 1.5 million refugees, faces increasing pressure on its natural resources. Climate change, population growth, and recurring emergencies make sustainable water management essential. The Kiryandongo project demonstrates how partnerships between donors, humanitarian organisations, and communities can create lasting solutions.
Its success has sparked interest from other settlements, including Bidibidi, Nakivale, and Palabek, where UNICEF plans to replicate the model. Community members in Kiryandongo have been trained to maintain the systems, while LWF will provide technical oversight in the early stages.
