EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS
Implementation Areas
ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER
Clean Water for Rural Communities, restored Access, renewed Trust
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In rural Uganda, over 40% of wells are non-functional; many abandoned for lack of just $40 in repairs. Though communities often raise funds, weak oversight by local user committees means money is frequently misused, leaving families without clean water. In Ngora District alone, over 50 boreholes remain broken. Without sustainable, accountable maintenance systems, millions in donor investments go to waste, and lives are left at risk.
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The Problem
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Globally, over 2.2 to 4.4 billion people lack access to clean water, including 844 million in Africa
and about 19.2 million in rural communities of Uganda
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OUR SOLUTION
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At Ruta Serenity Initiative (RSI), we identify communities without clean water and provide sustainable solutions such as boreholes, protected springs, rainwater harvesting tanks, and solar-powered systems. We also rehabilitate broken water points to restore access.
We ensure long-term functionality by offering operations and maintenance, including continuous preventive maintenance, delivered by our trained local mechanics. We establish and train community water user committees in governance and financial management, and are currently piloting the use of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)—a model that is proving to be more trusted and effective for financial sustainability in local communities
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SANITATION AND HYGIENE
Safe Homes, Clean Communities, Bright Futures for Every Child
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Over 8 million Ugandans still practice open defecation, and poor sanitation kills 23,000 children each year yet hygiene receives just 1.5% of the WASH budget
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The problem
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Uganda's rural communities face severe sanitation challenges; only 4 in 10 households use improved toilets, and 7 in 10 lack functional handwashing facilities (UBOS, 2021). Over 8 million people still practice open defecation, posing serious health risks. Children are most affected, with 23,000 under-five deaths annually from diarrhea linked to poor sanitation and hygiene (UNICEF/WHO, 2023). Yet, sanitation and hygiene receive just 1.5% of Uganda’s WASH budget (UNICEF, 2023/24), leaving critical needs unmet.
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Our offered solution
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RSI drives transformative sanitation solutions through a market-based approach shaping sanitation businesses and fostering lasting behavior change.
We scan the market to identify the most suitable sanitation products and technologies for the unique needs of local communities, and partner with leading companies to deliver accessible, high-quality solutions. We train communities to build latrines, handwashing stations, and other essential infrastructure using locally available materials. This is complemented by regular support visits over the course of a year to track progress, provide guidance, and address emerging challenges.
We also work closely with teachers and school health clubs to promote proper water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, including menstrual hygiene management.
Renewable Energy
​Clean energy for rural communities ​
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In rural Uganda, over 90% of households rely on firewood or charcoal for cooking, driving the loss of 90,000 hectares of forest each year and exposing families, especially women and children to toxic indoor smoke. Many spend up to 4 hours daily collecting fuel, risking their health and safety. With just 10% of rural communities accessing clean energy, the urgent shift to renewable solutions is critical to protect lives, forests, and the future
The Problem
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Globally, over 2.3 billion people rely on wood fuels for cooking, driving deforestation, health
risks, and gendered burdens. In rural Uganda, where 90% of households (over 30 million
people) depend on firewood or charcoal, the impact is especially severe
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Our Solution
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RSI addresses this crisis through community sensitization, promotion of clean energy alternatives, and strengthening market linkages for renewable products such as solar systems and biogas. By partnering with private sector providers and aligning with government programs that promote renewable energy, we work to increase awareness, affordability, and access empowering rural households to transition away from harmful biomass fuels toward safer, more sustainable energy solution
