Rakai and Kiryandongo Secure Shs820m for Water and Education Projects

Local communities in Rakai and Kiryandongo districts are set to benefit from improved social services following the signing of an $200,000 (about Shs820 million) funding agreement between the Japanese government and local implementers.

Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Sasayama Takuya, signed the grant contracts in Kampala under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) scheme. He emphasized that sustainable development begins at the grassroots level through targeted investments in health, water, and education.

In Rakai District, a water supply project valued at about Shs477.5 million will be executed by Africa Community Technical Services (ACTS) Uganda. The initiative aims to alleviate a severe water crisis affecting approximately 6,800 residents across seven villages, five schools, and seven trading centers.

According to ACTS Uganda Executive Director Richard Musinguzi, the 12-month project involves constructing a gravity flow water system featuring a sedimentation tank, a 50-cubic-metre reservoir tank, and distribution pipelines. Beyond clean water, the project will train local residents in hygiene, sanitation, and income-generating skills such as making soap, bags, and sandals.

Meanwhile, Kiryandongo District will receive about Shs339 million to construct two classroom blocks and supply furniture at Kigumba Church of Uganda Primary School. The 76-year-old government-aided institution currently struggles with overcrowding, housing over 2,000 pupils—including 176 refugees—in just 14 classrooms.

Kiryandongo Chief Administrative Officer Anselm Kyaligonza noted that enrollment has surged past 2,100 learners, resulting in an average of 153 pupils per classroom and severe desk shortages. District authorities pledged strict supervision to ensure the infrastructure is durable and delivered on schedule.

Read more details on the Daily Monitor.