Equity Bank, Water.org Join Hands to Tackle Uganda’s Clean Water Crisis

By Mulengera Reporters

On Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, government officials, development partners, and private sector leaders gathered at Protea Hotel in Kampala to witness the launch of a strategic partnership between Equity Bank Uganda and Water.org, aimed at accelerating access to clean water and improved sanitation across the country.

Speaking during the launch, Catherine Psomgen, Equity Bank Uganda’s Director for Public Sector and Social Investment, described the partnership as “a bold step in our journey to transform lives and livelihoods through inclusive and sustainable financial solutions.”

She explained that the initiative builds on a successful collaboration that began in 2011 between Water.org and Equity Bank Kenya, which pioneered innovative financing models such as the Maji Loan and Jamii Safi Loan, products which have enabled thousands of homes and communities to access safe water and better sanitation facilities.

A 2023 assessment identified Uganda as a country with a significant unmet demand for water and sanitation financing, prompting the two institutions to extend their collaboration into Uganda.

According to Ms. Psomgen, the new partnership will introduce affordable and accessible financial products tailored to the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 13 on Climate Action.

Under the collaboration, Equity Bank Uganda will deploy its EquiGreen Loan portfolio to finance water and sanitation projects for households, micro, small and medium enterprises, and community-based organisations. The program will also include capacity building for bank staff, technical assistance from Water.org, and data-driven impact monitoring to track measurable social outcomes.

“Access to clean water is not just a basic need, it is a foundation for health, productivity and economic empowerment,” Ms. Psomgen said, adding that the initiative is about financing dignity, health, and opportunity.

Water.org Africa Regional Director, Francis Musinguzi, emphasized that water remains a core pillar of development, stating that “there is no project you can run that is not linked to water.” He highlighted that 68% of Ugandans still lack access to clean water, noting that bridging this gap requires about UGX 10 trillion annually.

He said Water.org sought partnership with a financial institution to help finance sustainable water solutions, stressing that sustainable financing, digital innovation, and strong ecosystems are crucial for expanding water networks and achieving lasting impact.

In his remarks, Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner for Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment, commended the initiative, noting that the government is developing a Water Investment Program to expand nationwide access.

“Partnerships like this are key to ensuring that every Ugandan family can access safe water and dignified sanitation, a shared vision with the government,” Dr. Tindimugaya said.

Meanwhile, Yunia Musazi, Executive Director of UWASANET, described the partnership as a model for sustainable financing in the WASH sector, noting that Uganda loses an estimated UGX 6 trillion annually due to inadequate water and sanitation services, underscoring the urgent need for such interventions. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).