NORTHERN UGANDA: Drilling Rig

Basic Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) services are critically low in the Northern Uganda, particularly Lango sub-region. Most communities rely heavily on open water sources which exposes them to water borne infections. Boreholes are the appropriate technology to provide people with safe clean water in this region. Unfortunately, drilling services are very limited moreover often delayed due to limited availability and high rental costs of the drilling rig. Each year, DivineAID and Ryan’s Well Foundation strives to meet the urgent water needs of vulnerable populations — yet hiring drilling services remains expensive and unpredictable.

The purchase of a dedicated Drilling Rig will be transformative:

• Cost Efficiency: Save approximately $55,000 annually on hiring fees.

• Increased Reach: Enable drilling of an estimated 40+ wells per year (compared to 13-15 when relying on hired services).

• Empowerment: Build local technical capacity and employ trained local operators.

• Sustainability: Funds saved will be reinvested into maintenance, community training, and new projects.

Currently, the need for immediate access to safe water remains overwhelming — especially for children, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and rural underserved communities. A dedicated drilling rig will increase resilience and support the sustainable development of entire region.

• Procurement of a new Drilling Rig and auxiliary equipment (compressor, drilling rods, service truck, and pump-testing kits).

• Technical operator training and safety certifications.

• Community mobilization and awareness-raising about expanded water service.

• Scheduled maintenance and spare parts purchase plan for long-term rig durability

• Accelerated drilling of over 40 boreholes annually.
• More than 40,000 individuals directly benefiting from clean and safe drinking water each year.
• Empowered local technicians and drillers trained in safe drilling operations.

• Increased scope of rural water services in Lango and the neighboring Acholi, Karamoja and Teso subregions.

• Reduction in the costs of creation of rural water sources.

• Increased opportunities for partnerships and collaboration in the rural water service provision with relevant state and non-state development actors.

• Enhanced own source of incomes for DivineAid for investment in social projects which shall contribute to organizational sustainability.

Lira is a fast-growing district in Northern Uganda because it has a stable infrastructure that has not been destroyed (nor have its inhabitants been displaced) by rebels in recent years; however, it is still considered to be one of the most vulnerable districts in Uganda with regards to safe water and sanitation coverage. Most people are still practicing farming for subsistence, earning a smaller profit, and selling any surplus. Issues in this area mainly revolve around the price of cotton and access to transportation for goods.

DivineAid, established in 2001 and registered with Uganda's National NGO Bureau, envisions healthy, hopeful communities living in thriving environments. With a proven record of constructing over 1,000 wells across Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan (60% of them in Uganda), DivineAID has been a proud and trusted partner of Ryan’s Well Foundation since 2004. DivineAID’s experienced team is ready to maximize the impact of the drilling rig, ensuring access to clean water remains a reality for thousands of families each year.

Every effort is made to designate your funds as requested; however, if the specified project has become fully funded or unforeseen circumstances delay its start, we may allocate your donation to another important project.