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Message MAKING A STAND SPRING 2025busogabusogabuglebugle
2MAKING A STANDBT’s ambition has been “to stand by the poor”. When in 1996 the Ugandan government’s policy was to “standardize” on the India Mark II hand-pump, BT knew that would be a disaster. The pump’s galvanised iron (GI) parts would rust so quickly in Uganda’s volcanic waters. So, we objected and we fought our corner, eventually impressing the water department chief, Moses Gava, with the quality and durability of our Consallen, rust-free, hand pump. But most actors (NGOs and governments alike) agreed and used the India Mark II. The result? When in 2015 Uganda declared that the UN’s Millennium Development Goals for rural water had been achieved, with 70% coverage, the pumps were there but the water was not. Thousands of well-drilled boreholes, lled with good water, were no more than a mirage in the desert. The GI parts had rusted badly in less than one year and the cost of replacing them became too expensive for poor local communities.Today there are over 20,000 such non-functioning boreholes, leaving 10 million people with no access to clean water. BT has so far rehabilitated 1,375. Currently, we have adjusted this programme in order to set an example of functionality for all our own Busoga Trust water sources, with which we seek to achieve over 95% functionality by September this year. However, rst we had to recover all our database twice lost through malware in the early 2000s. Also, BT lost many of our best technicians, drivers, and social workers at that time to the deadly scourge of AIDS, thus losing much of our human memory bank. We are now rediscovering and revisiting our wells and boreholes and are in the process of persuading each community to join our PBR savings scheme so that they have sufcient savings banked in their name for any future expenditure. They will also have a designated HPM. This process of persuasion is being fronted by the wonderful young people who came to us when their colleges were closed during Covid and offered to start work as volunteers. From the Editor
3We hope you like the two maps enclosed on pages 4 and 5, which show the areas of Uganda now covered by the outputs of Busoga Trust and the current status of all our water sources. When we have achieved 95% functionality for all our Busoga Trust wells and boreholes, we shall then refocus our efforts on Uganda’s 20,000 non-functioning boreholes. God willing, we shall replace all GI or plastic parts with best quality stainless steel and include each one in our PBR savings programme. We shall also bring our full WASHBET package to each community, thus transforming their private compounds with much better latrines and cleanliness, liberating their girls by Menstrual Hygiene Management so they can enjoy a future based on a full education and renewing their environment with bees and trees. Yes, stainless steel is expensive, but the most expensive part was the successful drilling. In fact, Busoga Trust gets terric value for money at £2,500 for each rehabilitated borehole including our full WASHBET package (approximately £5 per person). This time, Busoga Trust is making a stand on the proven fact that local communities are perfectly capable of maintaining their hand pumped water sources once they have been provided with the right materials. Sadly, the “international community” appears to have “moved on” from the rehabilitation of such boreholes and is now advocating a far more complicated and expensive top down process which will also be much harder to maintain. It includes deeper drilling, solar power and chlorinated tanks and, by excluding the vital sanitation and hygiene component, it creates a divorce in the natural synergy of WASH. Moreover it makes no sense to take the responsibility for maintenance from the local community whose lives depend upon it and give it to outsiders who may well have private agendas and priorities, a sure recipe for failure and yes another disaster. That is why BT is choosing to make our stand with the poor to demonstrate that they can maintain their own boreholes and wells indenitely, thus achieving the Holy Grail of rural water.
4MAP TO SHOW SHALLOW HAND DUG WELL FUNCTIONALITYThe autumn Bugle’s claim that 90% of 1,665 BT’s shallow hand dug wells were functional should be corrected by the above map. Humble apologies.
5MAP TO SHOW BOREHOLE FUNCTIONALITY
Map to show the location of BT’s rehabilitated water sources in 2024 - 2025. 6ACHIEVEMENTS 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025Output NumberRehabilitated Boreholes 88Rehabilitated Shallow Hand Dug Wells 157Households Served 9,961Population Served 106,379Handwashing Facilities Constructed 5,685Latrines Constructed 1,477Sato Pans Sold 2,405Menstrual Hygiene Management Workshops 243Menstrual Hygiene Beneciaries 7,290Beehives 1,204Trees Planted 19,706The table below shows all BT’s outputs for the year 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025.
WASHBET CONTINUES TO WOW!WASHBET CONTINUES TO WOW!The best advice BT was given when we began in 1982 was: “rural development should be bottom up not top down”. So often, outside agencies try to impose their own solutions, “de haut en bas”, as is happening in Uganda today, and they will fail. WASHBET is a great success because it is “bottom up”, responding to the real needs of local people. It combines clean water with sanitation and hygiene, bees and trees.It was the communities themselves who urged BT to include MHM in our hygiene package and, when we did, the response was overwhelming. It created a revolution in the upbringing, education and future prospects for girls. It was the communities who sought our help with deforestation, caused by the widespread cutting of trees for charcoal to meet the growing urban demands for energy. Trees impact the whole environment and their loss causes soil erosion and effects the water courses, increasing the risk of drought. It was the communities who asked for beehives, because the health of the whole ecosystem depends on regular pollination. Furthermore the honey is nutritious, medicinal and a valuable source of income. The truth is that WASHBET has a brilliant natural synergy whereby one feeds off the other thus creating a healthy environment. Everywhere we go, people appreciate BT because they say we understand their real needs. 7(Left: Young and old rejoice as their newly functional borehole brings hope! Right: “His disability won’t stop him!” Young Sulait, who is deaf, collects water from his community borehole a stone’s throw from his home. Although he couldn’t hear BT’s team, his excitement was palpable!)
Annette Nsubuga - Guest House ManagerAnnette is a wonderful welcoming presence at the BT Guest House in Lubogo Lane, of which she has been manager since 2000, having rst been housekeeper in 1990. Over the years, hundreds of visitors have beneted from Annette’s kind welcome and warm smile, helping them to feel at home. The angels sang “on earth peace, goodwill to all people” and Annette lls the Guest House with peace and goodwill.IN THE SPOTLIGHTMark Kenny - Liaison OfcerApart from Mark, all BT’s staff in Uganda are Ugandan. Mark began working for BT in 2014 and has a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College Dublin. Mark is BT’s “eyes and ears”, our Liaison Ofcer. More especially, Mark is also our Database Manager. Having lost our database twice in the early 2000s through malware, this information is really vital for us, our donors and the communities we serve. Mark stayed in post throughout the long years of Covid, for which BT was very grateful. Happily, Mark has put down roots in Uganda and has a lovely Ugandan wife.Allen Mulangira - Financial OfcerIn accounts transparency is the name of the game. The fact that BT’s accounts have been rock solid these many years is in no small measure because of Allen Mulangira, who joined BT in 1999. If integrity is lost in accounts, your organisation may well face closure. But thanks to the dedication of Allen and our other nancial ofcers, BT’s nancial reports are clear and honest, and we have ourished. In BT we are blessed to have such a wonderful team. Thank you for your hard work!8
9Basalirwa Atanansi - Well TechnicianNicknamed “Father Atanansi”, BT’s Well Technician brings his joyful pastoral skills to work with him. A devout Catholic, with an unquenchable sense of fun and a great smile, Atanansi injects happiness to the most challenging tasks and to every gathering he graces. Hussein Ibanda - Technical SupervisorWhere most people see obstacles, Hussein sees solutions. Flying under the radar, BT’s unsung technology ace soon diagnoses the problem and with it also the solution. It is Hussein’s gift; he is a problem solver and as such a huge asset to our organisation because we are committed to make everything work! God gives us different gifts, but it is up to us to develop and use those gifts for the benet of others. Hussein is a ne example who does this every day. Juliet Ntono - Social WorkerSince the 1990s, BT has always done “WASH” not “WA”. 50%of the value of clean water can be lost unless peoples’ homes and habits express a good understanding of sanitation and hygiene, including menstrual hygiene. This means winning the hearts and minds of whole communities. Social Worker Juliet’s big heart and personal integrity give her a passion for training others, so making BT’s WASH, and now WASHBET, package a big success!See page 12 for an interview with Hussein. 9
DAN MULAAVU DAN MULAAVU BT’s Doyen of “Shallow” WellsNot being a one club golfer, BT likes to use the best technology in each situation. Since Covid in 2020, BT responded to the President’s request by concentrating our efforts on rehabilitating non-functioning boreholes. However, this past year BT has sought to restore all our shallow hand dug wells to full functionality, some constructed in the 1980s. It’s not generally appreciated what an excellent solution a hand dug well can be. Most governments and big organisations won’t touch them. However, if you know how to construct them properly, their water can be so soft and sweet that the rural people prefer them to boreholes. We had a good teacher in the 1980s, Vincent Allen, who also designed and made the Consallen (no rust!) hand-pump. So, for example, the 35 foot well near Iganga’s Consallen pump has pumped water day and night since 1992. Now known as the “Kimberley Well” after BT’s pioneering engineer, Simon Kimberley, it never runs dry even in drought. What an amazing aquifer! In more recent years, BT has been blessed by the services of “Maestro Mulaavu”, the doyen of Well Engineers. Dan has a sixth sense enabling him to site wells successfully up to 105 feet deep! His reputation is such that some say the local people would dig all the way to the centre of the Earth if he asked them to! Recently, Dan sited a successful 90 foot well outside Bishop Eridard of Luwero’s front door. How does Dan do it? The truth is, nobody knows. He is the Sheriff with the fastest draw in the West when it comes to “shallow” wells. “Make our day, Dan!”. (Below: A recently re-sited shallow hand dug well in Kamuli District. Standing at 37 feet deep, this well serves a population of 270 people.)10
Derrick Bakanwa’s recent appointment as BT’s highly qualied Medical Ofcer has been a major innovation. Prevention is better than cure, especially with such conditions as hypertension, and a quick and accurate diagnosis is the way to a successful recovery. Derrick has shown compassion and urgency. He often visits people in their homes even at night. With BT’s large number of staff in Uganda, currently 83, Derrick has his work cut out. Bugle readers in BT APPOINTS MEDICAL OFFICERthe UK who wait for two weeks to see their GP will think BT’s Ugandan staff fortunate! (Last year both Monkeypox and Ebola reached Jinja but thankfully they have so far been contained diseases and only contracted through close physical contact. Nevertheless, all our staff have to take necessary precautions, especially when travelling). “Our borehole was non-functional for 2 years when BT rescued us with stainless pipes, rods and cylinder. We joined BT’s PBR scheme where each household saves 1000UGX (c.£0.20) monthly for our borehole. We tested its fruits when we had 2 small breakdowns in the 2nd year THE PBR PAYS OFF!THE PBR PAYS OFF!(Pascal watches as his borehole has some minor repairs. Note the stainless pipes look new despite being installed 2 years ago.)of our agreement. The breakdowns were repaired within 24 hours using our savings, unlike before when it stayed non-functional for months and we had no funds to purchase spares. The PBR has encouraged us to continue saving for future repairs.”Matovu Pascal, Chairperson W.U.C. of Lubanga A Community11
(Hussein taking apart a borehole.)12How did you come to join BT?I was working in Jinja market threading and manufacturing u-bolts when a team from BT asked to purchase my die. I politely declined explaining that it was critical to my work and not for sale. Instead I offered to go with them to help with any tasks requiring the die. The then BT manager, Simon Kimberley, agreed and they came to pick me up. That’s how I started as a casual labourer for BT in 1992. I remember working on the islands of Sigulu and Dolwe in Lake Victoria. We drilled ten government wells using an auger. I found it very educational and rewarding. Then in 2003 I became a full-time member of BT’s staff.You have been a Technical Supervisor for the last 22 years. A long time. What has motivated you all this time?It’s been a privilege to work with BT and I’ve seen much good progress. I have been motivated by:1. Seeing the impact of clean, safe water on rural communities.2. Training and mentoring hand pump mechanics (HPMs) to empower local communities to become self-sufcient for the long term. Some HPMs have become very good and always willing to seek help if necessary. 3. Reduced down time. It’s so good to see the speed with which a water source is now being repaired because it’s often the only source of good water the local people have. What is one thing you love about what you do?I am passionate about my work and deeply enjoy engaging with communities. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they nally have access to clean water! The excitement and gratitude from the community inspires me to ensure that every well or borehole which I install is not only functional but also sustainable. Thank you for your time.INTERVIEW WITH HUSSEIN IBANDATechnical Supervisor Hussein began working for BT in 1992, Gabriel Angura interviews him below to learn more about his time with the Trust.
13When it comes to meeting targets and serving the common man, Monitoring and Evaluation Ofcer Joseph Ssebunya, a former boxer, doesn’t sleep. You can’t believe how many phone calls he gets from communities seeking his services, especially for spare parts and Joseph delivers them to the community in the shortest possible time. He has ensured that 97% of the Luwero boreholes are functioning today and similar numbers have savings for any future problem (PBR programme). On the day of this photo Joseph was going to ride 200km delivering spare parts to Nakasongola District. A man of many parts, you can hear Joseph preaching on the radio on a Sunday morning in Luwero and if you travel with the Director on his annual visit, you will hear him interpreting so quickly and in such a way that he lifts the whole occasion. Pearson calls him “the Mitigator” and the nickname has stuck.JOSEPH SSEBUNYAJOSEPH SSEBUNYAThe Mitigator(Below: Joseph Ssebunya ready for action!)
“I used to be a coward when it came to beekeeping. I believed bees were harmful to my family and animals. But, when BT visited our community, one of the benets outside the construction of a water point was beekeeping. At rst, I didn’t take it seriously but as time went on, I realised the opportunity and requested for 4 hives, and in my rst harvest I managed to collect 6 litres of honey from 2 hives and due to these benets, I applied for 10 more! Thank you so much BT!”“Life has been made soft for me” were the words of 21 year old Naigaga Shalom following a BT Menstrual Hygiene Management workshop. Having never received support from her parents, Naigaga looked to a charming sugar-cane cutter who offered to buy her menstrual pads each month. However instead he impregnated her as a young teenager, which led to her dropping out of school. “Now that Busoga Trust has empowered me with the skill of making reusable pads from the local materials, life has been made soft for me.”(Shalom proudly holding a pad. She hopes that her daughter will not face the same struggles as her.)- Lugaire Paul, Baluboinewa Village (Photographed Above)14Bees, bees, bees!There wouldn’t be sunowers,Wouldn’t be peas,Wouldn’t be apples,On apple trees,If it weren’t for fuzzy old.Buzzy old beesDusting pollenFrom off their knees.Aileen Fisher, submitted by Saidha MutesiBEFORE YOU GO... As with every Bugle, our hardworking team in Uganda contribute all the photos, various articles, testimonies and even poems! Who needs a marketing department?! Please read some of our favourite contributions below:
“I stand here with a heart full of gratitude for the lemon trees provided by BT. These trees have been a tremendous blessing to me and my community. I no longer have to search for lemons when in need, as I now have my own source right at home.So far, I have enjoyed one harvest, and this is now my second one. The joy and convenience these trees have brought me are immeasurable. As a leader, I’m deeply thankful for such impactful programs in my community. They not only improve our livelihoods but also bring hope and sustainability. Thank you, BT, for this incredible gift!”Kimuli Abdul, Chairperson of Kibike Village.In the garden where laughter blooms,Sunlight dances, dispelling glooms.Petals of gold, skies painted blue,Every moment whispers, “This joy is for you.”A breeze carries stories of love and delight,Tickling the leaves, making spirits take ight.Children’s giggles like soft, ringing chimes,Echoing sweetly through the tapestry of times.Happiness sparkles in the smallest of things,In shared cups of coffee, in the songs that hearts sing.In the warmth of a hug, the glow of a smile,It lingers and dances, making life worthwhile.So let’s cherish these moments, both big and small,For happiness ourishes when we embrace it all.In the laughter, the love, the warmth we impart,True happiness blooms from the depths of the heart.By Geofrey Kwanikiriza(Kimuli Abdul stands proudly with his lemon tree.)15In the Garden of Joy
BT is solely reliant on the private support of individuals, clubs, trusts and churches. We are so grateful for your support and appreciate every single gift however large or small. Under 5% goes on admin and fundraising costs. As examples, your donations can provide:£2,500 Major Rehabilitation of a Borehole inc. Full WASHBET Package£3,500 New Shallow Hand Dug Well inc. Full WASHBET Package£70 Menstrual Hygiene Management Training£50 100 Fruit Trees£20 3 Bee HivesIf you would like to support our work, you can make a donation in the following ways:Monthly: Our regular donors are invaluable. £5 can give the gift of clean water to a child in Uganda indenitely. To set up a standing order, use the bank details below.Bank Details: Busoga Trust, Sort Code: 60-07-29, Account #: 39810399Online via our website: www.busogatrust.co.ukCheque: Payable to “The Busoga Trust” and sent to our address below:Email: ukhq@busogatrust.co.uk Website: www.busogatrust.co.ukRegistered Address: 82 St John Street, London, EC1M 4JNRegistered Charity Number: 28838816“This is more than just water for us — it’s life. The rehabilitation of our borehole ensures students can focus on education without the burden of fetching water from far away places.Ms. Nadunga Caroline, Headteacher at Luwero SDA SchoolTHANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORTERS!