LWF’s Water System Transforms Healthcare at Kabala Health Center II, Northern Uganda
In northern Uganda, the lack of clean water has long plagued healthcare facilities, severely impacting their ability to deliver essential medical services. According to a 2020 UNICEF report, 85% of health centers in the region faced water shortages, which has severely jeopardized patient care. This was the case at Kabala Health Center II in Opwony Village, Agago district, where the health center struggled to function after its main water source broke down in 2021.
The Kabala Mini-Piped Water Scheme, built-in 2008 to serve both the community and the health center, was the village’s lifeline that collapsed when it fell into disrepair. For over a year, staff and patients at Kabala Health Center II endured the harsh reality of operating without clean water. Grace Atimango, the then health center in charge, recalls the burden: “Without water, it was impossible to run the maternity ward. We couldn’t clean the facility, sterilize equipment, or provide safe drinking water for patients. Expectant mothers had to be referred to a hospital 5 kilometers away, which was too costly for most families. Many chose to give birth at home, increasing the risk of complications.”
Evalyne Auma, a resident, shared similar concerns. “Due to a lack of water at the facility, some of the expectant mothers who could not afford to access health facilities from the alternative hospital in Kalongo Town Council resorted to deliveries attended to by the Tradition Birth attendant in their village which was risky,” she noted.
In response to the urgent need for clean water, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), with funding from Charity Water, rehabilitated the mini-piped scheme in 2023. The project included extensive infrastructure repairs, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for Kabala Health Center II and the surrounding community. With a daily discharge capacity of 63,000 liters, six tap-stands equipped with prepaid water dispensers were installed; four in the community, one at the health center, and one at Kabala Primary School. The system now serves three villages: Opwony, Opwony North, and Opwony South.
“It felt like a new beginning. With water, everything changed. We went from zero deliveries to 10-15 per month and sanitation has greatly improved. We no longer worry about infections because we can sterilize our equipment. Even patients are relieved because they can drink clean water when taking medicine.” Grace recalls the day the water began flowing again
Besides maternal care, water restoration has dramatically improved the facility's hygiene. Infections, which were rampant due to poor sanitation, have drastically reduced. Clean water has helped lower healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), making the health center safer for patients and staff.
Community members also share the benefits realized from the system. Evalyne further gives insight into how the rehabilitation of the water scheme has changed daily life in Opwony: “Before, most of the children in the community were infested with worms due to the consumption of unsafe water. Now, we have clean water close to home, and cases of worm infestation have greatly reduced,” she says.
The impact of the water project extends far beyond healthcare. With reliable water access, local families no longer spend precious income on medical treatments for preventable diseases. Children can focus on attending school, and households can now commit to improving their livelihoods instead of constantly battling health issues linked to unsafe water.
The rehabilitation of the water scheme was not just a short-term fix. LWF has continued to work closely with the community and local authorities to establish maintenance committees to ensure the project's sustainability. A Water Supply and Sanitation Board was established and trained to manage and repair the system, guaranteeing that Kabala Health Center II and the community will continue to benefit from clean water for years.
As Grace and her team continue to deliver babies safely and maintain a clean, functioning health center, the broader impact of clean, reliable, and safe water access becomes even clearer. Trust in the health facility has been restored, with more community members seeking health care at the facility. This, in turn, has strengthened the community’s overall health and well-being.
The story of Kabala Health Center II is a powerful reminder of the essential role that clean water plays in healthcare. Through the efforts of LWF, a once struggling health center has been transformed into a beacon of hope and safety. As more people access safe, quality healthcare, the community of Opwony village looks toward a brighter and healthier future. The success of this project demonstrates LWF’s commitment to addressing critical needs in northern Uganda and beyond. By restoring clean water, LWF has not only improved healthcare outcomes but also contributed to the resilience of the entire community, ensuring that families can thrive in health and dignity.
