Uganda
In Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement—home to nearly 190,000 people from countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Somalia and Ethiopia—families face daily challenges: overcrowded latrines, limited access to clean water and unsafe conditions for women and girls.
CWS is partnering with refugee communities to change that. Together, we’re building latrines and household handwashing stations, installing large water tanks for emergency storage and distributing reusable menstrual hygiene kits with training to support women’s health and confidence.
These simple, life-changing solutions restore dignity, reduce the spread of disease and help families feel safe and supported. Refugees are also hired through cash-for-work programs, creating jobs and a sense of ownership in the process.
Whether through emergency response or long-term support, we believe everyone deserves clean water, a safe home and the opportunity to thrive.
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Improving Health and Dignity for Refugees in Nakivali: A Comprehensive WASH Initiative
In southwestern Uganda, Church World Service is leading a transformative Water, Sanitation and Hygiene initiative in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, improving daily life for nearly 190,000 refugees through clean water access, safe sanitation and community education. Addressing Urgent Needs in Nakivale Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one of Africa’s largest and oldest, hosts approximately 190,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, …
“If I did not have the opportunity of getting into the United States, maybe I wouldn’t be alive today.”
“My name is Deborah Baliraine Jane, a mother of four children and an acid survivor. Prior to an attack that happened to me in January 2014, while I was still in my country of origin, Uganda, I was a successful businesswoman. I owned a restaurant and a bakery, which hired around 15 people. I also worked with women who were …
Refugee Leaders Take on Capitol Hill
Last week, approximately 70 former refugees from across the country traveled to DC to advocate for refugee resettlement with their representatives in Congress along with CWS advocates as part of Refugee Council USA’s (RCUSA) Advocacy Days. Some of these refugees spoke to reporters at a breakfast briefing, as they prepared to urge their Members of Congress to rebuild the life-saving …