WASH IMPACT ACCELERATOR PROGRAM (WAIP)

WASH IMPACT ACCELERATOR PROGRAM (WAIP) The government of Uganda is committed to reduce the disparities of water and sanitation coverage in the country according to its vision 2040. The present level of funding to the water sector is low compared to the financial requirements to reach the sector targets.

According to the Strategic Sector Investment Plan (SSIP 2018-2030), The Water and Environment Sector has historically received funding at a level of less than 1% of GDP. With this level of funding, the Sector has not been able to make adequate progress towards its targets for resource protection and service provision.

The Ministry of Water and Environment prepared the Strategic Sector Investment Plan (SSIP) whose target is full (100%) coverage to be achieved by 2030; and by 2015, 80% for the large Urban areas and 65% for the Small Towns.

Rural water targets were at 77% by 2015 and are planned to be 100% by 2030. Low funding levels have limited the Ministry’s efforts towards fulfilment of the intermediate targets and therefore there is need to increase resource mobilization efforts to achieve the 2030 targets. The safe water coverage currently is estimated at 67% for rural water.

Supporting youth-led water and sanitation start-ups not only helps address water-related challenges but also generates jobs, decentralizes economic opportunities, and develops youth capacity.

The WASH Impact Accelerator Program (WIAP), implemented by the Turi Kumwe Development Foundation (TDF), provides small-scale local entrepreneurs with a comprehensive start-up training curriculum and mentorship support from senior level specialists to help them plan, develop, and maintain WASH enterprises.

In addition to helping to achieve SDG #6 (water and sanitation for everyone), this program develops young community leaders who can successfully plan and carry out inclusive, sustainable water projects that greatly enhance living conditions in their communities. 

With an impact on more than 100,000 beneficiaries, Turi Kumwe Development Foundation has empowered 50 small-scale local entrepreneurs to develop 20 start-ups and carry out four youth-led projects in four districts since 2020.