It all starts in Nakivale Refugee Settlement.

In the hills of Southwestern Uganda, Nakivale is home to 268,373 thousand residents fleeing from violence in surrounding Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Sudan.

This number is growing every day.

A team of residents founded the Watsane Uganda Organization to increase water, sanitation, and hygiene for the 46,350 new Congolese refugees & asylum seekers this year. As a registered Community Development Organization, Watsane is on the frontline providing latrines, wells, washing stations, and safe water sources for our community.

Meet the Team

Jean Baptiste Ntirenganya | Founder, Program Manager

Jean Baptiste is a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) professional and resident of Nakivale Refugee Settlement since 2009. Ntirenganya is privy to WASH project implementation at Nakivale most recently as a WASH officer for UNHCR’s Nsamizi Training Institute for Social Development. Jean Baptiste is a husband and father of four. He is from Congo.

Joselyn Mukarukundo | Treasurer

As Watsane’s treasurer, Joselyn manages finances and procurement. Joselyn has a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and experience in WASH and training in financial literacy. Joselyn is a wife and mother of four. She is from Congo.

Jessy Iruta | Secretary

Jessy compiles data and reports and keeps the Watsane Team on track. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Science Planning and Community Development, specializing in rural livelihoods. He is from Congo.

Paulette Schuster | International Liaison

Paulette is a current dual degree student at Columbia Business School and the School of International and Public Affairs. She previously worked in as an international development contractor, supporting US government agencies to implement projects around the world. Paulette is from New York City.