Our Projects

Our Partner

Our Masindi partner, The Busoga Trust, sets the model for the type of local development organization we hope to work with: one that possesses local infrastructures and a record of cost effective, sustainable development. They are widely regarded as the premier water development group in this region of Africa.

Busoga Trust Ameria Staff 2008

Over 20 years Busoga Trust has honed a program that matches appropriate well technology with development of the local social structures needed to ensure the water sources’ proper use and maintenance with hygiene education and with sanitation infrastructure development to deliver sustainable improvements in health and welfare in rural Uganda. Since 1984 the Busoga Trust has completed approximately 1400 new or rehabilitated water sources in Uganda and surrounding countries, with an estimated 90% of the sites still working today. This is a remarkable achievement given all the challenges of development work in Uganda. In addition to the new Masindi operation, Busoga Trust operates programs in the Mpigi, Busoga and Luwero Districts of Uganda, in Tanzania and in Kenya.

The Busoga Trust’s development approach emphasizes:

  • Community involvement and ownership: Busoga Trust selects communities that are culturally ready for a new water source and improved hygiene practices. Water use committees are formed to oversee use and maintenance of the new water source. Pump mechanics are trained.
  • Hygiene education: Experience has shown that basic hygiene education and increasing latrine coverage are small investments that leverage the value of a new water source. Busoga Trust organizes and educates village health teams as part of each well project.
  • Development in regional clusters: Busoga Trust cluster well projects to provide efficient resource use and comprehensive water coverage and hygene education in an area.
  • Modern but appropriate technology: A durable, properly set hand pumps is essential for a new well to last. Busoga Trust has found that Consallen pumps, while not cheap, are the most durable and maintainable at the local level. Where wells aren’t appropriate, bore holes, roof tanks or other collection systems are employed.
  • Use of local materials: Stone, brick, wood, and cement
  • Engagement with important local institutions (Regional Water Boards, Church)