Review of the Hilton Foundation’s Investments in Service Delivery Models for Rural Water Provision: Uganda Synthesis Report
Review of the Hilton Foundation’s Investments in Service Delivery Models for Rural Water Provision: Uganda Synthesis Report
At the Hilton Foundation, one of the most critical components of our philanthropic approach is to regularly evaluate our investments, share these findings with the field, and modify our approach as needed based on these learnings. We’re pleased to share some findings from recent reviews of our investments in Uganda. This country-specific report follows our review of Rural Water Service Delivery Models in September 2023.
Allan Mutegeki, Senior Program Assistant with the Aquaya Institute, stands in front of a shallow well in Kabarole District, Uganda. Allan works with Aquaya to help create locally-run savings groups called Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
The primary objective of our Safe Water portfolio review was to investigate the relevance, effectiveness and sustainability of supported service delivery models (SDMs), including community-based management, publicly owned water utilities and private-sector approaches, such as Safe Water Enterprises (SWE). Our funding in Uganda has largely focused on interventions to strengthen the district-level WASH system in Kabarole.
Several recommendations surfaced to improve the delivery of services across our investments in Uganda, including the following:
Improving water services: The Government of Uganda is one of the first to approve an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) framework to govern and professionalize rural water services. This detailed policy document is a great opportunity to advance Uganda’s rural water sector.
Taking further action: The Government of Uganda needs collective action to implement the O&M framework at scale. It’s been tested in a few districts, but lessons from these tests highlight the need for the framework to have clearer guidelines, like grouping districts together for better efficiency.
Embracing different service delivery models. From Umbrella Agencies, Area Service Providers and community-based systems, there is no “one size fits all” approach to the rural water sector. An analysis shows the most effective, relevant and sustainable model is a complementary combination of these service delivery methods that can reach rural and remote areas.
Working together across districts: Providing safe water services sustainably requires efforts beyond just one district. Strengthening water systems at regional and national levels is crucial for efficiency and cost reduction. Testing new technologies in just one district isn’t enough to ensure widespread adoption, especially in times of financial strain.
Focusing on water security: Managing our water resources and working toward climate resilience should be a priority. Changing weather patterns leading to floods and droughts, combined with other human activities, i.e., farming and encroaching, impact the environment. Protecting natural resources, like in the Mpanga basin, is essential for ensuring a steady supply of safe drinking water to citizens.
