KIGEZI DIOCESE WATER AND SANITATION PROJECT
-KDWSP-

WHO WE ARE

Kigezi Diocese Water and Sanitation Programme (KDWSP) is a faith-based organization committed to enhancing the well-being of communities in the Kigezi region through integrated and sustainable development initiatives. Our work encompasses water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), livelihoods, and environmental conservation.Kigezi Diocese Water and Sanitation Programme (KDWSP) is dedicated to transforming lives through impactful and sustainable initiatives that promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Join us in making a lasting impact on the communities of Kigezi.

CONTEXT

Kigezi Sub-region in South Western corner of Uganda is one of the most populated areas in Uganda. Amidst spectacular v- shaped valleys and undulating hills, the home of mountain gorillas, which was once referred to as ‘Switzerland of Africa’ or ‘Pearl of Africa’, is characterized by a population with low incomes, inadequate food and poor health. These are a result of population pressure on scarce fragmented land and water resources, amidst poor farming methods, deforestation and destruction of terraces hence soil erosion, landslides, floods, contamination and drying up of water sources which in turn has affected productivity of people who largely depend on subsistence agriculture. Kigezi Diocese shares borders with Kable District located in south western Uganda bordering Rwanda. Population is 5 millions and population growth rates of 5% this coupled with environmental hazards and need to access services like fair road networks has compelled people shift to hill tops reserving fertile soils for cultivation. It is very hilly with 1800 – 2500m above sea level with an annual average rainfall of 1000mm spread over two wet seasons. Common water sources are springs, lake, rain and rivers/streams.

WHAT WE DO

Envisioning churches through Foundational bible studies, training in resources mobilization, stakeholders’ analysis, relationship building, community description, information gathering and analysis, action planning and implementation and monitoring and evaluation.

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HOW WE DO IT

KDWSP employs Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) to ensure open defecation free communities.Demand driven approach in which KDWSP commits resources where the verified and prioritized needs are greatest.

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How has this changed people’s lives

Improved health due to reduced diseases prevalence, reduced burden of water hauling and increased safe water consumption.Improved household incomes because time saved in water hauling is used for production and controlled run off is used for watering animals and crops and brick making.

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KDWSP EVOLUTION

The Kigezi Diocese Water and Sanitation Programme (KDWSP) has undergone significant evolution since its inception in 1986. Here is an overview of its development over the years:

1986: Inception

  • Establishment: KDWSP was established as a response to the urgent need for clean water and improved sanitation in the Kigezi region.
  • Initial Focus: The initial focus was on providing safe drinking water to rural communities through the construction of gravity flow schemes and protected springs.

1990s: Expansion and Community Involvement

  • Expansion: The program expanded its activities to include the construction of rainwater harvesting jars, household and institutional tanks to increase water coverage in remote areas especially in communities on hilltops.
  • Community Involvement: Emphasis was placed on involving the community in the planning and maintenance of water systems. Village Water Committees were formed to oversee the operation and maintenance of water points.
  • Sanitation Initiatives: Introduction of basic sanitation initiatives, including the construction of latrines and promotion of hygiene practices.
  • HIV/AIDS Awareness: KDWSP joined efforts to create awareness about dangers and preventative measures against HIV/AIDS and introduced support programs to families affected by HIV/AIDS

2000s: Integrated Approach and Capacity Building

  • Integrated Approach: KDWSP adopted an integrated approach to water and sanitation, combining water supply projects with sanitation and hygiene education. In addition to traditional WASH, livelihood improvement initiatives were incorporated using community development teams (CDT) and Church and Community Transformation (CCT)
  • Capacity Building: Training programs were introduced for local communities and Water User Committees on the operation and maintenance of water systems, as well as on hygiene practices.
  • Partnerships: Partnerships and Networks with local and international NGOs, government agencies, and donors were strengthened to enhance the program's reach and impact.
  • Advocacy and Policy Engagement: KDWSP has been actively involved in advocacy and policy engagement at the district and national levels to influence water and sanitation policies.
  • Climate Resilience: Focus on building climate resilience in water supply systems and promoting adaptive practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  • Increased Impact: Scaling up of successful models and approaches to reach more communities. This includes the introduction of community-led total sanitation (CLTS) to eliminate open defecation.
  • Innovation and Research: Ongoing research, training and innovation to identify and implement effective water and sanitation solutions tailored to the local context with establishment of the Rainwater Center.

CONTACT US

Kigezi Diocese Water and Sanitation Project
Rt Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna,
Diocesan Bishop,Diocese of Kigezi
Phone: +256 (0) 782558082
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rev. Canon Reuben Byomuhangi
Coordinator KDWSP
Kigezi Diocese, P.O. Box 3, Kabale, Uganda
Phone: +256 (0) 772524139
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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