By Ben Musanje
CINAT Group, together with the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Alumni Network in Uganda and other partners, has marked Nelson Mandela Day by supporting access to safe drinking water in schools across Jinja District through the CleanSIP Initiative.
The community-driven campaign, launched in Kampala on July 14, 2026, and officially implemented at Spire Road Primary School in Jinja District on July 18, 2026, aims to improve learners’ health, promote hygiene and create safer learning environments through increased access to clean drinking water.
Held under the theme “Safe Water. Healthy Learners. Bright Future,” the initiative brought together government leaders, representatives from the United States Embassy in Uganda, development partners, educators, learners, parents and community members to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service, compassion and community empowerment.
As part of the campaign, 250 ceramic water purification filters were donated to five schools in Jinja District, including Spire Road Primary School, Buwenda Primary School, Uganda Railway Primary School, Ripples of Hope Primary School and Lakesite Primary School.
The filters are expected to provide learners with safer drinking water, reduce waterborne illnesses and support healthier school environments.
Speaking during the launch, Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network in Uganda President Don Patrick Bugingo said the CleanSIP Initiative reflected Mandela’s values of leadership, hope and service to humanity.
He explained that the initiative was developed following a joint needs assessment conducted by the alumni network and Spouts of Water, which identified inadequate access to safe drinking water as a challenge affecting learners’ health, school attendance and academic performance.
Patrick said the initiative demonstrated the responsibility of leaders and professionals to use their knowledge and opportunities to address challenges affecting communities.
He urged school administrators, teachers and learners to protect and properly maintain the donated water purification equipment to ensure its long-term benefit.
Representing CINAT Group, Chief Executive Officer Jackson Katende emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing challenges affecting children’s wellbeing.
He said the CleanSIP Initiative aligns with CINAT Group’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote healthier communities and create better opportunities for children.
According to Katende, the success of the campaign demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when different stakeholders combine resources, expertise and community engagement to address critical social challenges.
He noted that the initiative has the potential to expand beyond Jinja District and contribute to improved health outcomes, better educational experiences and stronger communities across Uganda.
Welcoming guests to Spire Road Primary School, Head Teacher Linda Betty Asaba described the initiative as a significant milestone for the institution.
She said the school, which has an enrolment of 508 pupils supported by 31 teachers and 10 support staff, serves both mainstream learners and children with visual impairments through its specialized Braille unit.
Asaba emphasized that access to safe drinking water is essential in creating an inclusive and conducive learning environment for all children.
She pledged that the school would safeguard the donated filters while promoting hygiene and safe water practices among learners.
The event was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who commended the CleanSIP Initiative for addressing a critical need affecting schools.
Kadaga encouraged learners to remain committed to their education and adopt healthy practices, saying such efforts contribute to building a brighter future.
She praised the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network and its partners for turning Nelson Mandela’s values into practical community action that will benefit learners and their communities.
Also present was United States Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Kevan Higgins, who highlighted the importance of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellowship in developing Africa’s emerging leaders.
Higgins commended the leadership of Bugingo and the alumni network for mobilizing partners to implement the CleanSIP Campaign, noting that investing in young leaders strengthens long-term partnerships between communities and nations.
He encouraged continued collaboration among stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions to community challenges.
The CleanSIP Initiative received support from several partners, including the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, CINAT Group, Spouts of Water, Rotary District 9213 and affiliated Rotary clubs, Smart Girls Uganda, Sinan Advertising, Gazaland UOX, Little Hands Go Green, Amrite Investments, Pepsi, CEO Summit, Lions Club of Jinja, Reach a Hand Africa and other organizations and individuals.
Bugingo encouraged learners to remain focused on their studies, noting that opportunities such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship are achieved through hard work, discipline and determination.
He also revealed that discussions were underway to expand the CleanSIP Initiative to more schools across Uganda.
Through improved access to safe drinking water, the campaign is expected to contribute to reduced waterborne diseases, improved school attendance and healthier learning environments for thousands of learners.
With continued support from CINAT Group and other partners, the CleanSIP Initiative seeks to grow into a wider national programme promoting safe water access while advancing Nelson Mandela’s enduring values of dignity, service and social responsibility. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
