We were the victims of our own success. Busabala Primary School in Uganda was running out of water. And we were the reason.
For years, the state-run school struggled. High dropout rates, early pregnancies, and poor menstrual health held back its 500 pupils, most of them girls.
So we asked, “How can we help?”
They gave us a shortlist of needs. Their message was clear: the school could not move forward without support.
So we at IRFF UK got to work.
We funded GirlChild and Wait educational programmes that provided girls with access to menstrual health education and period products. With growing confidence, attendance soared, attracting more students.
The school’s population doubled to around 1,000 pupils.
The Crisis Hits
But this growth came at a cost that we had not considered – water scarcity.
Municipal water was unreliable, shutting off within hours each morning. During the annual dry season, the school’s two rainwater tanks ran dry, leaving it dependent on the erratic national supply.
In December 2024, the school told us that they were fast running out of water.
We could not let that happen.
So IRFF UK stepped up again. Our representative in Uganda, Jesca Nakamanyisa – head teacher at nearby Destiny School – identified experts, and we funded a deep-water well to ensure a continuous supply of clean, fresh water.
Drilling Through Challenges
Work began in March under tough conditions. Continuous rain at the worksite stalled progress, and the drill hit dense rock – formed by ancient tectonic activity near Lake Victoria.
By May, after breaking through two hard layers, we struck water 60-65 metres (200 feet) below the surface. Beneath Uganda’s soil, underground aquifers carry pure, safe water. Busabala now has direct access to them.
The borehole project cost £4,400, covering drilling, solar-powered pump installation, and a large storage tank to ensure sustainability and keep operational costs low.
Impact Beyond Water
Girls now have water for drinking, washing and sanitation. The impact doesn’t stop there. Thanks to the GirlChild Uganda programme, seven girls at Busabala Primary School achieved first-place grades in their examinations – a first in the school’s history.
Who Made This Possible?
IRFF UK applauds Imanuel Spiegl from Austria for his professional guidance and £450 donation toward the pump. IRFF UK also directed a small part of a legacy gift towards the project.
We are deeply grateful to donors like you – who stepped up over the years to support these girls, their teachers, and their families.
Next Steps
Municipal leaders have praised the work. At the time of writing, the Education Officer and Town Clerk are expected to send an official letter of appreciation.
Although the well is now operational, a ceremonial opening will be held in the second term, after pupils return from school holidays. Teachers, students, and community leaders will gather to celebrate the milestone.
A Changed School
The headmaster pledges to improve hygiene, reducing infection risks and ensuring girls have what they need. Additionally, the school can now redirect the £300-£400 it previously spent on municipal water each month to other essential projects.
Thanks to your support, Busabala Primary School is now better equipped to welcome the influx of new pupils enrolled since February with another 200 or more expected in 2025. With these improvements, the school is positioned to thrive for years to come.
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