Nakivale Distribution June 2025
This was Lifewater’s first-ever emergency water filter distribution in Nakivale. The distribution was conducted between June 18 and 20, 2025, targeting newly arrived refugees in Rubondo and Juru zones. The activity was led by the Lifewater team, in collaboration with Nsamizi (lead WASH partner) and UNHCR field staff.
The team consisted of ,Roger London – Director, Lifewater UK and the Lifewater core team members. A total of 300 household water filtration systems were distributed.
The filters were given to new arrivals, especially those who had arrived within the past month and were living in zones identified as having acute water shortages or relying on surface water. Priority was given to families with children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly.
All beneficiaries received practical training on how to assemble, use, clean, and maintain the filters. The sessions were conducted in local languages (including Kiswahili and Kinyabwisha) to ensure comprehension. Beneficiaries practiced handson setup under supervision before taking the filters home.
Where is Nakivale?
Nakivale is divided into three zones—Rubondo, Base Camp, and Juru—and hosts over 200,000 refugees. This population is growing daily, particularly due to an influx of refugees arriving from the DR Congo through the Kisoro border as a result of ongoing security tensions in the DRC. In Nakivale Refugee Settlement, which hosts the largest number of Congolese new arrivals, the average water supply is 7.5 liters per person per day, with some zones receiving as little as 4 liters. This is significantly below the recommended minimum standard of 15 liters per person per day. The shortfall is primarily due to earlier reductions in pumping hours caused by funding constraints that limit a consistent fuel supply for water pumps. Moreso, over 114,000 people have fled violence in eastern DRC to neighboring countries including Uganda which has increased the strain on availabl,e water resources since the start of the year.
Happy Beneficiaries!
