Katumba Parents’ Humanist Primary School is enfolded by ridges and valleys that descend from the mighty Ruwenzori Mountains, which rise over 15,000 feet above sea level. On a fine day, like the one in the photograph, it is idyllic. However, the mountains attract torrential rain and when it falls landslides and flooding are frequent occurrences. So, while rainwater is plentiful it is useless to the population unless it can be harnessed.
When the school opened a water pipe was laid to bring water from a small village dam across a nearby river. However, over a year ago the concrete of the dam cracked and the water pipe started to break up. So, for many months children and teachers have run relays to carry water in jerry cans to the school. The picture shows members of Katumba’s Humanist Club bringing water to an elderly lady who could no longer manage the task herself. Clearly this situation could not continue. Katumba School educates 700 children so it was imperative to improve the water situation and this became a priority for our Humanist Schools’ Sustainability Programme.
Using money raised by Humanist Aid (Sweden) and UHST supporters it has been possible to transform the water situation for the school and those living around it. Juma Irumba Siriwayo, the school’s Director, has worked with the community to plug the leaks in the local dam and to lay a new pipe to the school and to the village. The man on the right is digging the trench for the pipe which brings water to 2 stand pipes in the school compound. These improvements have benefitted both the school and the surrounding community.
As a further step towards alleviating the situation, the school has purchased two large water tanks which harvest rainwater from the classroom roof. Together they make a significant contribution to relieving water-anxiety within the school. School hygiene will improve as staff and children can now wash their hands whenever they need to and the developments will make it easier for the cooks to ensure that meals are prepared on time.
Katumba children, staff and the local community are delighted by the improvements and very grateful to the supporters of Humanist Aid (Sweden) and UHST for coming together to make it possible.
Water, water everywhere but ne’er a drop to drink
Posted: February 2, 2026 by Steve Hurd
Katumba Parents’ Humanist Primary School is enfolded by ridges and valleys that descend from the mighty Ruwenzori Mountains, which rise over 15,000 feet above sea level. On a fine day, like the one in the photograph, it is idyllic. However, the mountains attract torrential rain and when it falls landslides and flooding are frequent occurrences. So, while rainwater is plentiful it is useless to the population unless it can be harnessed.
When the school opened a water pipe was laid to bring water from a small village dam across a nearby river. However, over a year ago the concrete of the dam cracked and the water pipe started to break up. So, for many months children and teachers have run relays to carry water in jerry cans to the school. The picture shows members of Katumba’s Humanist Club bringing water to an elderly lady who could no longer manage the task herself. Clearly this situation could not continue. Katumba School educates 700 children so it was imperative to improve the water situation and this became a priority for our Humanist Schools’ Sustainability Programme.
Using money raised by Humanist Aid (Sweden) and UHST supporters it has been possible to transform the water situation for the school and those living around it. Juma Irumba Siriwayo, the school’s Director, has worked with the community to plug the leaks in the local dam and to lay a new pipe to the school and to the village. The man on the right is digging the trench for the pipe which brings water to 2 stand pipes in the school compound. These improvements have benefitted both the school and the surrounding community.
As a further step towards alleviating the situation, the school has purchased two large water tanks which harvest rainwater from the classroom roof. Together they make a significant contribution to relieving water-anxiety within the school. School hygiene will improve as staff and children can now wash their hands whenever they need to and the developments will make it easier for the cooks to ensure that meals are prepared on time.
Katumba children, staff and the local community are delighted by the improvements and very grateful to the supporters of Humanist Aid (Sweden) and UHST for coming together to make it possible.
Category: News