Uganda suffers from uneven distribution of water resources. Many communities, especially the rural poor, depend on streams and swamps, which dry up during severe droughts. Floods overwhelm existing systems, contaminating drinking water and creating sewerage overflows (Water Aid& Development Finance International, 2011). The slum settlements are characterized by extreme poverty, lack of property tenure, lack of services and infrastructure and an informal economy. There has been a failure by urban local authorities to enforce development control and to provide effective municipal services due to corruption, low revenue collections and poor civic competence among the population. (Kwiringira, J., Atekyereza, P., Niwaga, C., & Gunther, I., 2014)

Urban poor areas of Kampala, see severe outbreaks of cholera, malaria, typhoid, bilharzia and other fatal water-borne diseases on an all too regular basis. Many people in the slums still lack safe drinking water and a sanitary living environment and despite efforts, the conditions have not reached or even come close to reaching international or national goals. The most commonly cited basic needs are food, water, shelter, and clothing. In Uganda, many people still lack one or more of these basic needs. In Kampala specifically, many people still lack safe drinking water and a sanitary living environment (Fogg, 2008).

The Twekembe Slum project, although next to the Kampala city, has inadequate sanitation, little fresh water, and no rubbish collection. The consequences include high infant mortality, adult sickness, and cross contamination between fresh water and sewerage. Twekembe is a non profit organization (NGO) and exists to improve the living conditions of the residents of the Makindye slum. The slum is home to thousands of Ugandans, who for one reason or another are forced to live close to the capital city, but without the infrastructure and resources needed for healthy and safe lives (Twekembe 2009). This (research) project is about contaminated water and sanitation in the Kampala and Wakiso district, Bukijje and Ndikuttamadda zone.

To find a solution of the contaminated water caused by excessive waste in Kampala’s Makindyeslum, Bukijje and Ndikuttamadda zone. More specifically, the intent is to find out what the needs are of the community about unsafe water, excessive waste and sanitation and how to reach the objective of tackling water contamination.

What intervention(s) can reduce water contamination caused by excessive waste?

1 What are the causes and effects of contamination by waste at the well in the Makindye slums?

2 What is the desired situation according to the slum community and stakeholders with regards to their water supply?

3 What actions need to be taken in order to achieve the desired situation of the slum community and stakeholders?

In this action research, we used the Participatory Rural Appraisal framework to facilitate the process of co-designing with local stakeholders a suitable solution. Literature on the subject was studied prior to the start of the Challenge. A stakeholder analysis helped us determine the main actors in this action research. Interviews with different stakeholders were performed. Prior, Luganda classes were followed in order to be able to have a basic conversation with slum dwellers. Two local researchers helped translating during interviews. A village map was drawn in order to understand the problem in the context of the slum area. A questionnaire and a quick mini survey helped us gain more information on potential leaders. A focusgroup in the end was performed to determine the required activities and the brand new leaders signed their leadership certificate to confirm their new responsibilities. They were trained in leadership skills and instructed in executing the activities.

Water related problems, sanitation and health

In short: the contaminated water is being used for drinking, cooking, dish washing, boda washing and clothe washing. 86% of the people is unsatisfied or less satisfied with the water well.  The contamination consists of bacteria, human and animal excreta, mosquitos, dead animals, soil, fish and wastes.

More information about causes and effects are described in our report.

Clean water, a safe place to collect water especially for children when it’s dark, a permanent place for the waste, reconstructing the water well, the water to be able to flow away and an increase in the number of water wells.

The leader of the local organisation Twekembe stated at the beginning of the action research that the community members needed a leader in order to be able to keep the water well clean, but nobody wanted to be a leader. Through this action research, the Challenge team was able to identify a long list of people who were willing to become a leader in a project to keep the water clean. In the end, five leaders were selected and trained to lead the project as described below and in detail in our Challenge report.

From our action research results, it became evident that clean water is priority number one for the community members. Having clean water comes with some sub-objectives, determined into four categories: improving leadership, finding a system for the excessive waste, raising awareness with regards to contamination and raising awareness regarding health. Also it was mentioned, that collecting water should be safe at all times when it comes to (children) walking for water in the dark. All sub-objectives are described in the objective tree in our report, with their respective required activities for achieving those objectives. The appointed local leaders received activities-forms; through these forms, they determine how and when each activity will be executed. Through this research, we believe to have delivered evidence of the following: 1. That there is an urgent need for clean water in the community of Makindye, where Twekembe Slum Project operates; 2. That the community is willing to contribute wherever they can to improve the situation when it comes to improving the excessive waste problem and eliminating water contamination; 3. That there are 5 new voluntary leaders who are dedicated, and capable of leading the community in their path to development. 4. That the community –in cooperation with the local leaders, together comprise of a well organised entity that is capable of making this project a success. 5. That there is additional funding required to supplement the community efforts and – contributions.