In a major step towards improving child health and education outcomes, Vivo Energy Uganda, in partnership with Spouts of Water, has launched the Safe2Sip campaign — a nationwide initiative to provide ceramic water filters to public schools across Uganda.
The campaign aims to reduce absenteeism caused by waterborne diseases by ensuring that every pupil has daily access to safe drinking water. Under the program, each school will receive between seven and ten Purifaaya water filters, placed directly in classrooms.
Speaking during the launch event at Kibuye Primary School in Makindye, Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, emphasized the direct link between safe water and academic success.
“Every child deserves the chance to learn in a safe and healthy environment. Waterborne illnesses are an invisible barrier to education,” she said.
“Thousands of children don’t skip school out of laziness, but because they fall ill from something as preventable as unsafe water.”
Each Purifaaya ceramic filter produces over 525 litres of safe water per day, and will be installed inside classrooms to ensure continuous access throughout the school day.
“We’re not just donating equipment. We are keeping children in school and enabling them to focus on learning instead of battling preventable diseases,” Menya added, reaffirming Vivo Energy’s commitment to long-term community impact.
Michael Nimoh, Country Director of Spouts of Water, praised the partnership as a game-changer for public health and local industry.
“These filters are more than products — they are shields, protecting children from illness, missed lessons, and lost futures,” he said.
“With Vivo Energy’s support, we are scaling up from 15,000 to 70,000 units a month, making Uganda the largest producer of ceramic water filters in the world.”
Nimoh also highlighted the broader ambition of the Safe2Sip initiative.
“We’re starting with schools, but the vision is bigger — safe water in every household. A child drinking clean water at school but unsafe water at home is still at risk. The fight must be comprehensive.”
Sarah Namutebi, Headteacher at Kibuye Primary School, called the campaign “timely and transformative.”
“Safe water has been our biggest challenge. Now, with filters in classrooms, pupils won’t need to miss lessons or queue up for water. Even our teachers will now drink safe water together with the learners,” she said.
She also commended the simplicity and durability of the technology, noting that students have already been trained on usage and maintenance.
“Our pupils are ready to guide each other on how to use and care for the filters. This is what sustainability in action looks like,” Namutebi added.
As the campaign rolls out nationwide, Safe2Sip is expected to improve health, boost attendance, and enhance academic performance for thousands of Ugandan learners — one classroom at a time.
