By December 2027, 200 Opportunity Bank Uganda clients will access affordable microloans to purchase durable bio-sand water filters, increasing access to safe drinking water for approximately 1,000 family members. Success will be measured through project monitoring data and client surveys, including the number and percentage of participants who obtain and consistently use a household water filter, the percentage reporting improved access to safe drinking water, reductions in time and costs associated with water collection and treatment, the percentage of households reporting fewer cases of waterborne illness, and the number of clients receiving financial literacy training. Participating families will strengthen their engagement with formal financial services through successful loan utilization and repayment. By the end of the pilot, a scalable financing model for safe-water access will be established for expansion to additional underserved communities throughout Uganda.

Opportunity International Canada (OIC) and Opportunity Bank Uganda (OBUL) are partnering to help rural Ugandan families access safe drinking water through an innovative microfinance solution. The project will provide affordable loans that enable families to purchase durable bio-sand water filters, reducing waterborne illness and improving overall family health.

By making safe water more accessible, the project helps families spend less time collecting water, treating illness, and recovering from sickness. Women and children, who are most affected by unsafe water, will gain more time for education, income-generating activities, and other opportunities that strengthen household resilience and economic well-being.