Southeastern Uganda: Safe Water and Hope Restored
The second in a special, two-part message from
Water Mission CEO and President George C. Greene IV, PE.
With the start of a new year, I am reflecting on my recent visit to Uganda—a land of stunning natural beauty, where millions still struggle to access safe, clean water. The need is striking, and it is precisely why we are called to serve.
Last May, I traveled to Uganda with my father—Water Mission’s co-founder, Dr. George Greene III—and my youngest son, Thomas.
We visited the Luuka District, where over the past three years, Water Mission has “blanketed” the region with safe water systems, community by community. In the community of Busalamu, we saw how safe water had transformed daily life—new homes, thriving markets, and healthy children.
I filled my own bottle from the tap and encouraged my son Thomas to do the same, knowing the water was clean and safe. That confidence reflects the rigorous engineering and water-quality standards that define every system our teams implement.
All three Greenes filled their water bottles from the Water Mission tap stand in Busalamu, confident that the water was safe to drink.
Later that day, we joined a commissioning celebration for 16 communities that had received new water systems. Some representatives from the communities traveled as far as four hours (which is especially significant when relying on public transport in a developing country) to express their gratitude.
At one point during the celebration, the Greenes, on behalf of Water Mission, were asked to receive gifts from the communities wishing to express their gratitude. Representatives from the communities came forward, presenting me, my father, and my son with gifts of fruit, vegetables, and chickens. It was an overwhelming experience seeing people who had so little give so generously in appreciation for having safe water in their communities.
Community members rejoiced as they celebrated finally having access to safe, clean water.
When I think about why our projects would be met with the above reaction, I am reminded of a woman named Betty from one of the communities that received water. Tragically, her husband had died in 2022 from a water-related illness, just months before we completed a safe water project there.
Though still grieving, Betty finds some peace knowing her children no longer face the same danger. Her story is a sobering reminder of why this work matters.
Our ministry in these regions also extends beyond infrastructure. Through our Living Water program, we teach local pastors about demonstrating the gospel through acts of love that meet practical needs.
One story that touched me deeply was of Pastor Laston, whose congregation built a home for a blind man named Stephen who had been living under banana leaves. Now Stephen has a safe place to sleep—and a church family that checks on him regularly.
Equipped through our Living Water training, Pastor Laston and his church began to minister to Stephen, a blind man in their community.
These moments—Betty’s relief, Stephen’s new home, and my son’s first drink from a Water Mission tap—capture the heart of our mission. Your partnership helps make this possible.
On behalf of people like Betty and Stephen, thank you for walking with us so that together we can love our neighbors in tangible, transformative ways.
Many Blessings,
George C. Greene IV
President and CEO
Water Mission
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