Since 2021 with UNHCR in Uganda
Solvatten's partnership with UNHCR Uganda and Sweden for UNHCR since 2021 provides clean and warm water to more than 100,000 people. Read more
About the Project
Uganda is home to nearly 2 million refugees and asylum seekers*. The main countries of origin are South Sudan (53%), DRC (33%), Sudan (4%), Somalia (3%), and others (4%). 92% of refugees live in settlements in twelve rural districts and host communities, while the remainder reside in Kampala. Continued refugee inflows are driven by conflicts, civil unrest, and economic collapse in Sudan, South Sudan, and the DRC.
Access to clean water remains a critical shortage due to weak infrastructure and limited resources. The Water and Environment Refugee Response Plan (WERRP) expired in June 2023, and a new plan is scheduled to launch in August 2025. It operationalizes the humanitarian-development nexus, addressing immediate needs while investing in sustainable water systems. The strategy prioritizes the transfer of services to national systems, including local authorities, utility companies, and communities.
In line with Uganda’s new plan, Solvatten collaborates with UNHCR to provide our portable, environmentally friendly water purification devices with a lifespan of 7–10 years, reducing firewood consumption for heating water. Despite these efforts, significant disparities between water needs and available humanitarian funding persist. Continued partner support is crucial to expanding sustainable access to safe water for both refugees and host communities.
*Documented by the Prime Minister’s Office (OPM) Biometric Identification Management System (BIMS).
Results
- Over 21,000 Solvatten units enable long-term sustainable access to clean, warm water for over 100,000 people in UNHCR’s program in Uganda.
- Improved access to safe drinking water: Households equipped with Solvatten reported an increase in daily water consumption thanks to enhanced access to safe drinking water.
- Reduction in diarrhea-related illnesses and healthcare costs: Communities where Solvatten is used noted a decrease in the number of diarrhea cases and medical expenses.
- Firewood consumption: Many households observed that using Solvatten to heat water before cooking significantly reduced firewood usage.
- Cost savings: Households reported reduced expenses for firewood, charcoal, and healthcare, as well as a decreased need to search for and collect firewood.
About the Partnership
Solvatten’s partnership with Sweden for UNHCR and UNHCR Uganda dates back a long time and encompasses an incredible number of families and Solvatten units. Since 2021, Solvatten has been distributed through UNHCR Uganda and its local partner organizations to families in refugee camps across Uganda.
Nakivale, Adjumani, Moyo, BidiBidi, Pader, Kyaka, Kyangwali, and Rwamwanja are some of the areas where Solvatten has been implemented.
Thanks to over 20,000 Solvatten units sent to Uganda, Solvatten, through UNHCR, has improved the lives of over 100,000 vulnerable refugees. In addition to improved health for families, who are now less exposed to stomach illnesses, they have saved both time and money thanks to this fantastic product.
Åsa Widell, Secretary-General, Sweden for UNHCR
Read more about our partnership with Sweden for UNHCR here.
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