KIRYANDONGO, Uganda — November 6, 2025 — Two new solar-hybrid piped water systems are transforming life for thousands of refugees in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, ending years of long treks and queues for clean water.
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), the systems now provide safe, reliable water to both refugees and host communities in mid-western Uganda.
Completed in just three months, between July and October 2025, the solar-diesel hybrid systems are already serving Clusters C and G of the settlement, which together host around 165,000 refugees who fled conflict in South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.
“I used to spend almost the whole day walking three kilometres to the water point,” says Habib Ahmad, 30, who fled fighting in Sudan and arrived in Kiryandongo in January 2025. “Now, I just walk a few metres. It takes me 10 or 15 minutes, and I’m done. UNICEF and the European Union have solved our water problem. People were really suffering.”
A Sustainable Solution
Each system draws water from deep production wells using submersible pumps powered by 45 solar panels during the day, with diesel generators providing backup at night or in cloudy conditions, according to a November 6 press statement from UNICEF. Water then travels through 2.6 kilometres of transmission lines to 108-cubic-metre hilltop reservoirs and flows through 4.6 kilometres of distribution pipes to 22 public standposts, where residents collect it free of charge.
“This project demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to greening its humanitarian aid through sustainable, life-saving assistance to refugees and their host communities,” said Liam Kelly, Head of EU Humanitarian Aid in Uganda.
“By investing in solar energy and resilient water systems, we are building a better future for the most vulnerable,” Kelly added. “It’s also a good example of the nexus approach — where humanitarian and development actors work together to ensure a lasting water supply for both refugees and host communities.”
A Measurable Impact
Before the systems were installed, water availability in Kiryandongo had fallen to just nine litres per person per day, less than half the Sphere standard of 20 litres required in humanitarian settings. The new installations are expected to double the supply to at least 20 litres per person daily, bringing the settlement up to international standards.
“This partnership with the European Union has been instrumental in providing round-the-clock access to safe and clean water,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF’s Representative to Uganda. “Access to clean water is a fundamental right for children and their families. Now that the two systems are complete, refugees and host communities will no longer have to trek long hours in search of this basic service.”
The project also eliminates the need for costly water trucking, which had become the settlement’s main source of supply following a surge of new arrivals in 2023. That influx had stretched infrastructure to breaking point, leaving many families in newly created settlement zones without reliable water access.
Restoring Dignity and Opportunity
Beyond improving access, the water systems bring broad health and social benefits. With taps now closer to home, women and children, traditionally responsible for fetching water, no longer spend hours walking long distances. The saved time allows them to attend school, manage households, or participate in income-generating activities.
The availability of clean water also reduces the risk of waterborne diseases and encourages regular handwashing, helping to prevent diarrheal illnesses and skin infections across the community.
The systems will further benefit 4,000 learners at Canrom Primary School, who will now have safe water for drinking, handwashing, and maintaining good personal hygiene.