Water Harvesting Project Underway in Kibugu Parish, Uganda
Rev. Nicholas Oyesigire with Bishop Andrew last August
In April we celebrated the commencement of the water harvesting project in Muhabura Diocese of Western Uganda for Bishop Godfrey Mbitse through the ministry of Reverend Nicholas Oyesigire in Kibugu Parish. Bishop Andrew visited Reverend Nicholas, alongside Bishop Godfrey in his parish in August 2023, and witnessed first-hand the critical need for fresh, clean water.
ADNE’s East Africa ambassador, Audrey Patra, now brings us exciting news. Earlier this year, Audrey hosted a church meeting with all the Kibugu community leadership and together, they agreed on a plan of action. The dense, rocky terrain makes this a difficult place in which to sink a well (as the ADNE was able to do in 2023 in Kabuwoku, Uganda). Instead, the Kibugu leadership were united in their agreement to install a large-scale water harvesting project that collects and safely stores rainwater from rooftops in the wet season. The harvested rainwater is collected, cleansed, and stored hygienically in large storage barrels that will keep the village in supply of clean, fresh water through the long dry season.
Audrey reports that the water harvesting project is about halfway into its installation. Two large storage tanks have been purchased and are in place in the village along with all the necessary plumbing materials to complete the building works. Local people volunteered to take up the task of collecting rocks from which platforms were constructed for each of the large collection tanks. Audrey commented, “This has made a great saving in terms of project costs, but it also demonstrates how eager the whole community is for the completion of this project.”
Bishop Andrew commented, “Rev Nicholas and his wife continue to be extraordinarily faithful to this community. They are both University graduates. Their qualifications could have opened many doors to them, but they have chosen to make their home here and shepherd hundreds of people in what is a very poor community beset with water scarcity. It is our privilege to come together in the Lord’s plans to renew and bless this village. How extraordinary that the roof that will harvest the water is in fact the parish church roof. ““Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…” (Isaiah 55:1).
In addition to this water irrigation project, the ADNE continues with plans for further water scarcity projects in Uganda and Kenya. This includes the Water Boring project at ACK St Paul’s Athriver in Kenya. We are pleased to report that half of the funds needed for this project have been raised thanks to Redeemer Norwood. The grant for added funding for this project has been submitted to ARDF, and we eagerly await their answer.
Church of the Apostles in Coventry and as Grace Anglican in Bridgewater have pledged to donate funds to the Potters Village hospital in Muhabura Diocese (Western Uganda) that cares for and rescues abandoned babies and infants. Between the two churches, enough medical supplies for an entire year will be purchased for the care of the children that are brought there.
Thank you all for the love the Lord has placed in your hearts for the people of Uganda and Kenya. It is a testament to all that Jesus is doing in our lives and in our Diocese.
You can continue to give to this ongoing work here.
