Welcome to WATSANE!

Just two months ago, we started Watsane to increase water, sanitation, and hygiene for the new Congolese arrivals to Nakivale Refugee Settlement. We are thrilled to share that almost two months to the date of our founding—we have built three latrines for our Emergency Latrine Pilot Project.

From January to July of 2025, 55,856 people fled to Nakivale Refugee settlement (UNCHR Operational Data Portal). Many of the new arrivals are fleeing war from Congo.

30-year-old Hangi Shukuru is one of the 2025 arrivals. Hangi was born with abnormalities in both legs and must use arm supports for mobility. The communal latrines were not built with accessibility in mind and require a long walk from his house.

Over the span of two days in early August, our team got together to build an accessible latrine for Hangi.

Our final product will be usable for up to four years. That is four years of time back for Hangi that he is no longer spending trekking to an unusable lavatory. Each latrine also promotes proper waste management, hygiene education, and a healthy environment. It is therefore introduced to improve public healthy with emphasis on fighting diseases, and boosts overall standards of living.

Hangi with our founder Jean Baptiste Ntirenganya outside the completed latrine

There are countless Nakivale residents that deserve the dignity of a functional restroom. People with special needs face additional challenges to accessing and using facilities. Support us and follow along in our journey as we fulfil our mission of Adequate portable water and sanitation for all.