How a small village in Mid-Western Uganda has become a model of integrated development through global partnerships, local leadership, and a community spirit.
In the rolling hills of Kyenjojo District, a major shift has occurred; not just in infrastructure, but in the vital health indicators of an entire community. The Butiiti Adopt a Community Project has successfully demonstrated that the first step towards prosperity is a healthy community. By installing a solar-powered borehole that supplies 20,000 litres of clean water, the Rotary E-Club of Uganda Global has dramatically reduced the prevalence of waterborne diseases, ensuring that families no longer rely on contaminated sources. This intervention, paired with two successful medical camps, has transformed Butiiti from a vulnerable village into a model of integrated disease prevention and health resilience.
In this same village lies a calm Butiiti Girls Primary School, and a few years ago, the facility was on its knees, struggling with cracked and dim classrooms, a library that held more dust than books, a dwindling population of girls who missed school due to inadequate menstrual hygiene support, and uncertainty of clean water. Teachers persevered, but hope was fragile.
Everything began to change when the Rotary E-Club of Uganda Global, led by Rotarian Tom Otwom Obace, accompanied by Rotaractors and well-wishers, visited Butiiti for a fact-finding mission. As they observed broken walls and children cupping water from dripping taps, what was evident wasn’t despair; it was potential, that awaited a wakening. That night, the team drafted the first project concept. Thousands of miles away in Canada, Rotarian Joy Ogang, the President of Rotary E-Club of Uganda Global, refined it into a Global Grant proposal. Slowly, the quiet hope of a village began to echo across continents.
Global and Local Partnerships: Global support was critical. The Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar (Canada), led by Rotarian Claire Conway and supported by over 40 international clubs, contributed more than 40% of project funds, alongside technical guidance. Locally, Rotary Clubs of Kabarole, Bugolobi, Kampala Central, Kampala Day Break, Sunrise Kampala, and Mityana, plus Rotaract E-Clubs, provided hands-on support, site monitoring, and skills training for RCC members. Government engineers from the Ministry of Water and Environment ensured safe, sustainable water infrastructure. This collaboration of global and local actors created a model of shared responsibility, sustainability, and multi-level support.
Transforming the Learning Environment: Right now, the transformation is visible the moment one steps onto the school compound. The once-dilapidated nursery block now hosts over 100 early-grade learners. A new library has become the heart of the school, buzzing with readers and peer-learning groups. The school canteen strengthens food security and generates minor operational revenue. These upgrades, guided daily by the headteacher and school management, have contributed to a 15% rise in literacy scores, and a 25% increase in pupil retention, and improved learner concentration. Parents and community leaders provided labor, materials, and supervision, reinforcing local ownership.
Water for Life: A solar-powered borehole now supplies 20,000 litres of clean water, ending long hours spent fetching water and dramatically reducing waterborne diseases. Students, especially girls, can now focus on learning. The water system has been extended to Nyobya Trading Centre and Centenary High School, demonstrating sustainability and community ownership. Dignity, Privacy & Girl-Friendly Education Sanitation was reimagined: a modern flush toilet block includes separate stances for girls, boys, teachers, and disability-friendly cubicles. A school incinerator ensures safe disposal of sanitary waste. MHM training and reusable pad-making programs empowered girls and engaged boys in supportive roles, resulting in 30% increase in girls’ school attendance.
A Regional Model for Sustainable Transformation: Butiiti Girls Primary School demonstrates how Rotary, schools, communities, government, and global partners can collaborate to achieve lasting change. Aligning infrastructure, health, livelihoods, child protection, and climate-smart agriculture, the project shows development can be locally owned, community-driven, and scalable. It illustrates how global partnerships, digital coordination, and local leadership converge to create sustainable multi-sector impact. Rotary clubs are invited to replicate the RCC model, mentorship programs, and school enterprises across the region, magnifying Butiiti’s lessons.
From classrooms to water systems, libraries to farms, Butiiti shows that when communities, Rotarians, and governments unite, real transformation is possible—and replicable.
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This is a condensed version of an article from The Wave, Issue 6, December 2025 - a magazine issued by Rotary District 9213. The article is written by Rotarian Tom Otwom Obace who is the President Elect (2025-2026) for the Rotary E-Club of Uganda Global.