Equity Bank Partners with Water.org to Boost Clean Water and Sanitation Access Across Uganda

Equity Bank Uganda has entered into a strategic partnership with global non-profit Water.org to expand access to safe water and improved sanitation across the country.

The collaboration aims to provide affordable and inclusive financial products designed specifically for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Driving Impact Through Sustainable Financing

During the launch event, Catherine Psomgen, Equity Bank Uganda’s Director for Public Sector and Social Investment, described the initiative as “a bold step in transforming lives and livelihoods through inclusive and sustainable financial solutions.”

She explained that the new partnership builds upon a successful collaboration that began in 2011 between Water.org and Equity Bank Kenya, which led to innovative financing models such as the Maji Loan and Jamii Safi Loan — enabling thousands of households to access clean water and better sanitation.

Following that regional success, a 2023 assessment revealed Uganda’s growing demand for financing in the water and sanitation sector, paving the way for this new initiative.

EquiGreen Loan to Power Access

Through the partnership, Equity Bank Uganda will utilize its EquiGreen Loan portfolio to fund water and sanitation projects for households, small businesses, and community-based organizations.

The program will also focus on capacity building for bank staff, technical support from Water.org, and data-driven monitoring to measure social and environmental outcomes.

“Access to clean water is not just a basic human need — it’s a foundation for health, productivity, and dignity,” Psomgen emphasized. “We are not just financing sanitation; we are financing opportunity and wellbeing.”

Water as a Key Development Pillar

Francis Musinguzi, Water.org’s Africa Regional Director, applauded the partnership, stressing that “water is not only a social service but a key driver of development.”

He revealed that 68% of Ugandans still lack access to safe water, estimating that about Shs10 trillion is required annually to bridge that gap.

“That’s why Water.org partnered with a financial institution like Equity Bank — to unlock capital for sustainable water solutions,” Musinguzi added, highlighting the role of digital innovation and local investment ecosystems in achieving long-term impact.

Government and Civil Society Welcome Initiative

Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner for Water Resources at the Ministry of Water and Environment, commended the collaboration and noted that the government is developing a national water investment program to scale up access across the country.

“Partnerships like this ensure every Ugandan family can enjoy safe water and dignified sanitation — a goal we share as government,” Dr. Tindimugaya said.

Yunia Musazi, Executive Director of UWASANET, also hailed the deal as a breakthrough for sustainable WASH financing, pointing out that Uganda loses around Shs6 trillion annually due to poor water and sanitation services.

A Step Toward a Healthier Uganda

The Equity Bank–Water.org partnership represents a critical step toward closing Uganda’s water access gap, combining financial innovation, technical expertise, and community engagement to ensure every Ugandan has access to clean water and safe sanitation.