About Us
A new voice for safe water in Kabale.
Thistlewell Fountain is a newly established Ugandan NGO dedicated to providing safe, clean and sustainable access to water for underserved communities in Kabale District and beyond.
Who We Are
Rooted in Kabale, focused on water.
Thistlewell Fountain is a newly established Ugandan non-governmental organization based in Kabale District, in the Kigezi region of western Uganda. The was formed in response to a stark reality: despite streams and springs in many parts of Kigezi, communities still face intermittent supply, long walking distances and unsafe water — a burden carried disproportionately by women and girls.
According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic Health Survey, 40.5% of households in the Kigezi region lack access to improved drinking water and 25.5% spend 30 minutes or more collecting water. In Kabale alone, hundreds of water points remain non-functional. We exist to help close that gap — starting with community water storage tanks in the sub-counties that need them most.
Our Mission
To improve the quality of life of underserved communities in Kabale and across Uganda by providing sustainable access to safe and clean water — through community water storage tanks, hygiene promotion and local capacity building.
Our Vision
A Uganda where every community has reliable access to safe water — enabling healthier lives, stronger schools and sustainable development.
Why We Were Established
The water challenge in Kabale District.
Kabale District has 1,983 domestic water points serving 224,995 people, yet access rates vary dramatically — from 58% in some sub-counties to 95% in others. Over 650 water points remain non-functional and hundreds have been abandoned for more than five years. Where water is available, it is often intermittent, unsafe, or requires long walks that fall mostly on women and children.
Our commitment is a community-centered response: durable water storage tanks placed in trusted public locations, managed by trained local committees, and paired with hygiene education that turns clean water into lasting behaviour change.
Core Values
What guides our work.
Integrity
We steward every resource with honesty and transparency.
Accountability
Measurable outcomes and open reporting to every stakeholder.
Sustainability
Solutions designed to endure — durable materials and community ownership.
Community Empowerment
Communities own their water sources from day one.
Transparency
Clear communication about funds, decisions and progress.
Compassion
People first — served with empathy, dignity and respect.
Innovation
Smart, appropriate technology matched to local realities in Kabale.
Our Community-Centered Approach
We listen first. Every project begins with local leaders, women's groups and sub-county authorities. Sites are selected together based on need, accessibility and maintenance. Communities contribute labour and local materials, elect water committees, and are trained in hygiene and tank maintenance — so the infrastructure we build together belongs, from day one, to the people it serves.
