Access to safe drinking water remains one of the most important needs for refugee families in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. For many households, water is collected from communal sources such as boreholes, taps, and water collection points.
While these sources support daily survival, water can still become contaminated during collection, transportation, and storage, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Improving household access to safe water
To respond to this challenge, the Association of Refugee Women in Uganda conducted a field activity in Rubondo, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, focused on improving household access to safe drinking water among refugee women.
The activity, carried out on 12 March 2026, included the distribution of household water filters and dispensers to 50 refugee women, a baseline survey on household water access and management practices, and an assessment of the project learning site.
The activity included water filter distribution, beneficiary verification, safe water demonstrations, baseline data collection, and a project learning site assessment.
Why women were prioritized
Women were prioritized because they play a central role in household water management. In many refugee families, women are responsible for collecting, storing, treating, and using water for cooking, drinking, cleaning, and caring for children.
When safe water is not available, women and children often carry the greatest burden.
What the baseline survey found
The baseline survey conducted before the distribution revealed that many households rely on communal water points, and some women walk long distances to collect water.
This increases the time burden on women and limits the amount of water available for household use.
The survey also found that water is commonly stored in plastic containers and jerrycans, but some storage and handling practices may expose water to contamination.
Another key finding was that household water treatment practices remain limited and inconsistent. Some families do not regularly treat drinking water due to limited resources or lack of awareness.
As a result, respondents reported occasional water-related illnesses such as diarrhea and stomach infections, especially among children.
Fifty refugee women received household water filters and dispensers for safer drinking water at home.
Distribution and household guidance
During the distribution exercise, 50 water filters and dispensers were provided to 50 refugee women.
The distribution process included beneficiary verification, demonstrations on how to use the filters, and guidance on proper maintenance and hygiene practices. Each beneficiary received one water filter for household use and was encouraged to handle drinking water safely.
The beneficiaries welcomed the support and appreciated the opportunity to improve the safety of drinking water in their homes.
The intervention is expected to reduce exposure to contaminated water, lower the risk of waterborne diseases, and support better health outcomes for refugee families.
Project learning site observations
The field activity also included an assessment of the project learning site. The team observed that the nursery beds were generally well maintained and accessible to community members.
However, heavy rains had caused waterlogging at the site, highlighting the need for proper drainage channels and continued maintenance.
Challenges and lessons learned
Despite challenges such as heavy rainfall, supplier delays, time constraints, and the need for additional demonstrations, the activity was successfully completed.
These challenges also provided important lessons for future programming, especially the need for timely planning, follow-up visits, and continuous community education.
Next steps for lasting impact
AORW-U recommends continued monitoring to ensure that beneficiaries are using and maintaining the filters properly.
There is also a need to expand the program to reach more households in Nakivale and to track improvements in water safety and reductions in waterborne diseases over time.
A practical household-level solution
This intervention shows that simple, household-level solutions can make a meaningful difference in refugee communities.
By providing water filters, training women on safe water handling, and following up with households, AORW-U is helping refugee women protect their families, improve health, and strengthen resilience.