Prudential Uganda has completed a landmark project that is transforming health and education in rural communities by securing safe drinking water for 71 schools across the country. The initiative, run through the Prudence Foundation and implemented by Tusafishe Limited, has already benefited over 119,000 people, most of them schoolchildren.
The project introduced institutional water purification systems in schools and provided domestic water filters to vulnerable households in Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamuli, Mbale, and Sironko. The systems, designed to work without electricity, ensure that even off-grid schools and homes can access safe drinking water.
At the handover ceremony in Kamuli, Tetteh Ayitevie, CEO of Prudential Uganda, stressed the critical link between clean water and education. “Without clean water, everything else is harder. A sick child cannot learn properly,” he said, adding that up to 70 percent of illnesses treated in Uganda are linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.
Beyond health, the programme invested in sustainability and climate resilience. Over 3,000 moringa and fruit trees were planted around schools, while Water and Environment Clubs were set up to empower students with knowledge on sanitation, hygiene, and environmental conservation. More than 500 community members were also trained in system maintenance and climate-smart practices.
Henry Othieno, CEO of Tusafishe, noted that although reaching remote schools presented logistical challenges, the impact has been profound. “Every child deserves clean water, no matter how far they live. This project is proof that it is possible,” he said.
The initiative underscores how private sector players can make lasting contributions to community welfare. By addressing both water insecurity and environmental degradation, Prudential Uganda has not only reduced the risk of waterborne diseases but also created healthier, more resilient learning environments.
For thousands of learners, the promise of safe drinking water means more than just quenching thirst it means better health, fewer absences, and brighter futures.