Kampala, Uganda — Amref Health Africa in Uganda and the Rotary Clubs of Uganda have launched a strategic partnership aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in underserved communities.
The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing the Rotary-Amref WASH Alliance (RAWA) – a five-year initiative targeting 10 districts across three regions in Uganda.
With a projected budget of USD 5 million, the RAWA project seeks to deliver sustainable WASH solutions through a multifaceted approach, including:
Expanding access to safe and reliable water sources,
- Promoting hygiene practices, including menstrual hygiene and handwashing,
- Building local capacity among health workers, school staff, and community leaders, and
- Leveraging public-private partnerships to ensure scalable and lasting impact.
A Vision for Lasting Health Change
Dr. Patrick Kagurusi, Country Director of Amref Health Africa in Uganda, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential.
“This collaboration brings together Amref’s technical expertise and Rotary’s unmatched community presence,” Dr. Kagurusi said. “Together, we’re not just building toilets — we’re building healthier futures. Our shared vision aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which champions universal access to clean water and sanitation.”
Dr. Kagurusi noted that Amref, with headquarters in Nairobi and founded in 1957, operates in over 35 African countries. Its focus on strengthening health systems and addressing social determinants of health aligns seamlessly with Rotary’s mission areas — particularly fighting disease and improving access to water and sanitation.
The RAWA project will adopt a “Diamond Model” that emphasizes community contribution, government involvement, business engagement, and access to financing. Dr. Kagurusi highlighted Amref’s successful track record in sanitation, referencing a past project that built over 35,000 toilets in six years.
Rotary’s Commitment to Service and Scale
Geoffrey Martins Kitakule, District Governor of Rotary Uganda (2025/26), echoed the excitement around the partnership.
“Rotary believes in service above self. With over 140 clubs across Uganda, we bring the manpower, the passion, and the networks needed to make change happen,” Kitakule stated. “By joining forces with Amref, we can multiply our impact and ensure no community is left behind.”
He stressed that the partnership goes beyond infrastructure — it’s about health, education, and economic empowerment. Clean water and sanitation reduce disease, improve school attendance, and ease household financial burdens.
Kitakule also mentioned Rotary’s global reach and willingness to engage partners abroad including clubs in the Netherlands — to support global grant applications and expand the initiative’s reach.
Shared Values, Shared Impact
Amref and Rotary plan to use existing infrastructure as a starting point, with future plans to expand to regions like Busoga and Northern Uganda. The adaptive nature of the partnership leaves room to evolve and potentially include areas such as maternal and child health and immunization in the future.
