Years of turmoil in Northern Uganda and West Nile have left communities struggling to access clean drinking water, exacerbating their plight.

The consequences are dire: many rely on unhygienic sources, leading to widespread health issues that hinder progress in education, agriculture, and economic growth.

Rivers, streams, and seasonal wells abound in the region, yet lack of infrastructure and limited maintenance have crippled schools, healthcare facilities, and households.

The Government of Uganda, partnering with UK Export Finance, has enlisted Nexus Green Limited to construct water systems aimed at supplying clean drinking water to communities, including schools and churches across the country.

Results are already visible; in areas like Maracha, Yumbe, and Arua districts, where students had abandoned classes due to poor sanitation and unreliable water access, piped water is reversing this trend.

School hygiene, academic performance, and enrollment have seen significant improvements, thanks in part to the installation of piped water systems at Oci Primary School in Vura, Arua City, and Yivu Secondary School in Yivu SS Village, Alikua Sub-county, Maracha District.

These schools are among 12 beneficiaries of a €600,000 project funded by UK Export Finance for Arua City, Maracha, and Yumbe districts.

Piped water is revitalizing education in these communities, restoring dignity, health, and the desire to learn, far beyond just quenching thirst.

Previously, schools relied on a single borehole shared with surrounding communities, causing congestion and compromising sanitation.

The new piped water system has dramatically improved learner punctuality at Oci Primary School, where headteacher Robert Draleni attributes the change to "clean piped water that's now readily available."

"Earlier this year, we had clean piped water extended to our school. Learners' punctuality has improved, and lessons begin early because they spend less than five minutes drawing water from the tap," he said.