The Kumam Cultural Heritage has commended Call to Care Uganda for its continued efforts in expanding access to safe and clean water across the kingdom, describing the intervention as critical in addressing waterborne diseases and improving public health.
Speaking during a community engagement meeting, Martha Wells Hoffman, President of Call to Care Uganda, said the organisation initially focused on education and health initiatives but quickly prioritised water projects after identifying the urgent need for safe drinking water in many communities.
“Our work began with education and health programmes, but we realised that without safe water, many of these efforts would not succeed. That is why water projects became our first priority,” Hoffman explained.
She noted that the initiative, which started in 2007 with support from development partners, has since been extended to 2030. The organisation’s operations currently cover districts including Soroti District, Kaberamaido District, Kalaki District and Serere District.
According to Hoffman, more than 100 boreholes have been drilled since the project’s inception, with over 50 located within the Kumam Kingdom alone.
She pledged continued support to ensure more households gain access to clean and safe water.
Meanwhile, Chris Ochaloi, Country Chairman of Call to Care Uganda, said the organisation works closely with local leaders to identify communities facing acute water shortages.
“We rely on local authorities to guide us on the most urgent needs. After assessments, we prioritise areas based on available funding and the severity of the water challenges,” Ochaloi said.
During the visit, Travis Trull, President and Chief Executive Officer of Flint Global, toured several project sites to assess the impact of the interventions. He expressed optimism about future partnerships aimed at supporting agricultural and community development initiatives in the region.
“Our feasibility study shows the community has strong agricultural potential. With the right support, there are many opportunities to transform livelihoods here,” Trull noted.
In recognition of the organisation’s contribution to improving health and education outcomes, Raphael Otaya, the Won Ateker Papa Me Kumam, urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining the water sources.
He encouraged communities to establish management committees to safeguard boreholes and ensure proper use.
“If your father buys you trousers, does it mean he must wash them for you?” he asked rhetorically in the local dialect, emphasizing the need for ownership and care of the facilities.
Otaya further advised residents to protect water sources from contamination, including avoiding sharing water points with animals, to safeguard public health.
Community members welcomed the projects, saying improved access to clean water will reduce disease outbreaks and enhance household well-being across the kingdom.
