CINAT Group joined other partners in supporting the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Alumni Network in Uganda in celebrating Nelson Mandela Day, headlined by the CleanSIP Campaign — a community-driven initiative aimed at improving access to safe drinking water in schools across Jinja District. The campaign was launched on 14th July 2026 in Kampala, with its flagship implementation carried out at Spire Road Primary School in Jinja District.
Flagged off on 18th July 2026 at Spire Road Primary School, the campaign formed part of a month-long series of activities marking Nelson Mandela Day. Through this initiative, partners came together to promote healthier learning environments by expanding access to clean and safe drinking water for schoolchildren and their surrounding communities.
Held under the theme “Safe Water. Healthy Learners. Bright Future,” the event brought together government leaders, representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, development partners, educators, learners, parents, and community members to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy through meaningful community service.
As part of the initiative, 250 ceramic water purification filters were provided to five beneficiary schools — Spire Road Primary School, Buwenda Primary School, Uganda Railway Primary School, Ripples of Hope Primary School, and Lakesite Primary School — to give learners access to safe drinking water, promote hygiene education, and support healthier learning environments.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bugingo Don Patrick, President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network in Uganda, said the CleanSIP Campaign reflects Nelson Mandela’s values of leadership, hope, and service to humanity.
“Nelson Mandela taught us the importance of giving back to our communities. As beneficiaries of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, we believe we have a responsibility to use the knowledge and opportunities we have received to create lasting impact where it is needed most,” Patrick said.
He explained that the CleanSIP Campaign was informed by a joint needs assessment conducted by the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network and Spouts of Water, which revealed that inadequate access to safe drinking water was affecting learners’ health, contributing to absenteeism, and limiting educational achievement.
Patrick urged school administrators, teachers, and learners to take responsibility for protecting the donated equipment to ensure its continued use and long-term benefit to the school communities.
Representing CINAT Group, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Katende Jackson highlighted the importance of collective action in improving children’s well-being through increased access to safe drinking water, noting that the CleanSIP Campaign aligns with CINAT Group’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthier communities and better opportunities for children. He said the success of the campaign demonstrates the power of partnerships, with stakeholders contributing resources, expertise, awareness creation, and community engagement to address critical challenges affecting learners. He added that the campaign has the potential to grow beyond Jinja District and contribute to improved health outcomes, enhanced education experiences, and stronger communities across Uganda.
Welcoming guests to the school, Ms. Asaba Linda Betty, Head Teacher of Spire Road Primary School, described the campaign as a historic milestone for the institution. She noted that the school has an enrolment of 508 pupils supported by 31 teachers, including five specialized Braille instructors, as well as 10 support staff. As an inclusive government school, it serves both mainstream learners and children with visual impairments through its Braille unit.
She emphasized that access to safe drinking water is essential in creating a healthy and conducive learning environment for all learners. She added that investing in clean water is an investment in the education, health, and future of Uganda’s children, pledging that the school would safeguard the donated filters while promoting proper hygiene and safe water practices among learners.
Mr. Bugingo acknowledged the contributions of all partners whose support was instrumental in implementing the CleanSIP Campaign. The partners included the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, CINAT Group, Spouts of Water, Rotary District 9213 and its affiliated Rotary clubs, Smart Girls Uganda, Sinan Advertising, Gazaland UOX, Little Hands Go Green, Amrite Investments, Pepsi, CEO Summit, Lions Club of Jinja, Reach a Hand Africa, and other organizations and individuals.
The event was graced by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, who commended the CleanSIP Campaign for addressing the critical need for safe drinking water in schools. She encouraged learners to remain committed to their education, emphasizing that staying in school and embracing healthy practices are essential to building a brighter future. She also applauded the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network and its partners for translating Nelson Mandela’s legacy into meaningful community action that will have a lasting impact on learners and their communities.
Also in attendance was Mr. Kevan Higgins, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, who highlighted the importance of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellowship in developing Africa’s emerging leaders through academic and leadership training opportunities in the United States. He commended Mr. Bugingo for his leadership of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network and for bringing together partners to implement the CleanSIP Campaign.
Mr. Higgins noted that the United States invests in the Mandela Washington Fellowship because it believes Africa’s future will be shaped by Africans themselves. “When we invest in young leaders, we invest in long-term partnerships between our people,” he said. He congratulated the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network and the wider U.S. Exchange Alumni Association in Uganda for organizing another impactful Mandela Day initiative, calling for continued collaboration and stronger partnerships to develop sustainable solutions to community challenges.
Mr. Bugingo encouraged learners to remain committed to their studies, emphasizing that opportunities such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship can be achieved through hard work, discipline, and determination. He also revealed that discussions were underway to expand the CleanSIP Campaign to more schools across Uganda.
By improving access to safe drinking water, the CleanSIP Campaign is expected to reduce waterborne illnesses, improve school attendance, and create healthier learning environments for hundreds of learners.
With continued support from CINAT Group and other partners, the CleanSIP Campaign aims to expand into a broader national initiative that advances access to safe drinking water while promoting Nelson Mandela’s enduring values of service, dignity, compassion, and social responsibility.
