KABAROLE, Uganda — In a major push to combat water scarcity in rural Uganda, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has commissioned a UGX 190 million solar-powered mini water scheme in Hakibale Village and a hand pump in Bulera Village, both located in Kibasi Town Council, Kabarole District.
The project will serve more than 1,100 residents, improving health and daily living standards in the region.
The commissioning ceremony was led by Hon. Victoria Rusoke, Uganda’s State Minister for Local Government and Woman MP for Kabarole District.
She praised the initiative for addressing long-standing challenges in water access, which have historically forced communities to depend on unsafe sources, leading to frequent health issues.
“This water project is a powerful example of how corporate partners can support national goals,” Minister Rusoke said. “It aligns with the Government’s National Development Plan III, which prioritizes human capital development through improved access to basic needs.”
A Lifeline for Water-Stressed Communities
Anthony Alozie, UBL’s Supply Chain Director, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to social impact through sustainable development.
“Giving water to underserved communities is central to our sustainability strategy,” Alozie noted. “We are proud to partner with Kibasi Town Council to deliver lasting change.”
Access to clean water remains a serious challenge across Uganda. According to Water.org, an estimated 38 million Ugandans (83% of the population) still lack reliable access to safe water. Another 7 million (17%) live without improved sanitation.
The issue is not limited to Uganda. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, 387 million people were living without basic drinking water as of 2020, up from 350 million in 2000, according to the World Bank.
UBL’s Growing Footprint in Water Access
The Kibasi water project is part of UBL’s broader push to improve water access in water-stressed areas across Uganda. In the 2022–2024 period, UBL has:
- Delivered 19 boreholes and an ablution block in various communities.
- Funded a UGX 335 million piped water system in Bududa District, reaching 2,000+ residents.
- Constructed 37 boreholes in the Acholi sub-region.
- Partnered with Water Aid Uganda to implement a UGX 1 billion water and sanitation project in Bulangira, Kibuku District.
- In 2022, commissioned 20 boreholes worth UGX 560 million in Lango and Teso sub-regions, impacting over 9,000 people.
- In 2023, handed over 10 hand pump boreholes in Teso worth UGX 307 million, serving 4,800 people.
- Also in 2023, built 8 sanitation blocks worth UGX 600 million in Kampala in collaboration with the Kabaka Foundation, benefitting communities in Katwe, Mulago, Mengo, and other neighborhoods.
Minister Rusoke called on residents to maintain and protect the new infrastructure:
“These resources are for you and future generations. Use them wisely, and take ownership of their care and sustainability.”
Through strategic partnerships and a firm commitment to corporate responsibility, Uganda Breweries is demonstrating that the private sector can—and must—play a critical role in solving Uganda’s water crisis.
