North Kigezi Diocese News
The Bishop of North Kigezi diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has commissioned a newly constructed protected water spring in Rwaibare Cell. The spring was built by North Kigezi Diocese WATSAN (NKKD WATSAN) with support from the WATSAN UK Support Group, bringing safe and clean water closer to the community.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Rwaibare Cell, Bugangari Sub-county, Rujumbura Constituency, was attended by church leaders, community members, and representatives from the UK Support Group. In his remarks, Bishop Asiimwe expressed heartfelt gratitude for the successful completion of the project and thanked Eng. Graham Piper for witnessing the commissioning. He also appreciated the Bikangiso family for generously donating the land on which the spring has been constructed.
The Bishop emphasized the importance of water in daily life, noting that no one can live without it. He urged residents to take full responsibility for maintaining the facility to ensure its longevity. “This is an interdenominational faith project. It is not for Catholics, Anglicans, or Muslims alone—it is for everyone. Water is life, and everyone needs it. Let us maintain it well,” he said.
Eng. Graham Piper, Chairperson of the WATSAN UK Support Group, said the trustees were delighted to see clean water flowing from the spring, describing it as a clear sign that their mission is being fulfilled. He explained that the UK Support Group mobilizes resources to fund such life-changing projects and commended the local community for actively participating in the construction process, including transporting materials.
Dr. Phillipa Piper encouraged residents to live in love and unity, describing the spring as a demonstration of the love of Jesus Christ in action. She noted that access to clean and safe water will help prevent waterborne diseases previously caused by contaminated sources.
Mr. Marius Katunguka called upon the community to protect and properly maintain the water source. He advised residents to preserve the fence, prevent animals from accessing the spring, regularly trim surrounding grass, and maintain drainage channels to protect the structure from damage.
Rev. Moses Kabareebe, Coordinator of NKKD WATSAN, highlighted the department’s achievements over the years, including the construction of 16 gravity flow water schemes and more than 100 protected springs, both ordinary and low-yielding.
He acknowledged challenges such as limited donor funding and inadequate community ownership of some projects. He noted that this is the first project commissioned under his leadership as Coordinator and the first of its kind for Eng. Graham Piper to commission in Uganda.
The Chairperson and caretaker of the spring, Mr. Isaiah Turyahumura, thanked residents for their cooperation and commitment to community development initiatives. He expressed joy over the availability of clean water in the village, saying it will protect families from diseases linked to unsafe water.
Ven. Erasmus Barangirana, Archdeacon of Bugangari Archdeaconry, observed that improved access to safe water would enhance community productivity by reducing illnesses such as typhoid, thereby enabling residents to engage more effectively in their daily activities.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Mr. Tumwesigye Harmony, the District Youth Councillor, commended the WATSAN UK Support Group for supporting the project and pledged continued collaboration in initiatives aimed at improving community welfare.
