Boots on the Ground in Uganda: Building Lasting Change Through Community Engagement: Pit Latrine Handover Ceremony at Exodus School in Kampala, Uganda.

When Peyton Thomas arrived in Uganda on May 12, 2026, the mission went beyond simply checking on projects. The goal was to spend meaningful time with the communities served, assess ongoing needs, and strengthen relationships that allow Speakers for Africa to create real and lasting impact. This hands-on approach revealed the true nature of community development: it is often challenging, requires tough decisions, and demands persistent effort that rarely makes headlines or fundraising materials.

This update shares insights from the field, highlighting the importance of local connections and direct involvement. It also focuses on one key project that illustrates how practical solutions can improve lives—Exodus Nursery and Primary School’s new rainwater harvesting initiative.

The Reality of Community Development Work: Pit Latrine Handover Ceremony at Exodus School in Kampala, Uganda.

Community development is not glamorous. It involves long days of problem-solving, adapting to unexpected challenges, and making decisions that affect many lives. These efforts often go unnoticed because they do not fit into neat photo opportunities or simple stories.

Peyton’s time in Uganda reinforced a core belief: meaningful change happens when people show up, listen carefully, and commit to doing the hard work. This means engaging with local leaders, understanding daily struggles, and working side by side with community members. Boots on the Ground in Uganda: Building Lasting Change Through Community Engagement: Pit Latrine Handover Ceremony at Exodus School in Kampala, Uganda.

Exodus Nursery and Primary School: A Growing Partnership: Boots on the Ground in Uganda: Building Lasting Change Through Community Engagement: Pit Latrine Handover Ceremony at Exodus School in Kampala, Uganda.

One of the most encouraging parts of this trip was the ongoing work at Exodus Nursery and Primary School. Like many schools in Uganda, Exodus faces challenges that are often invisible to outsiders. One of the biggest hurdles is access to clean, reliable water.

Water is essential not only for drinking but also for hygiene, cleaning classrooms, and maintaining sanitation. Without it, students face health risks and disruptions to their education. Conversations with school leaders and community members made it clear that improving water access would benefit hundreds of children.

Rainwater collection tanks installed at Exodus Nursery and Primary School to improve water access by the Speakers for Africa Action Team: KK, Tasha and Gracious

Expanding Access to Water Through Rainwater Harvesting

Uganda experiences heavy rainy seasons, yet many schools lack the infrastructure to capture and store rainwater. This means thousands of gallons of water run off rooftops and go to waste, while schools struggle with water shortages.

At Exodus Nursery and Primary School, a new rainwater harvesting system is changing this reality. The system collects rainwater from school rooftops and stores it in large tanks for use throughout the year. This project not only provides clean water but also reduces the school’s dependence on unreliable sources.

How the Rainwater Harvesting System Works: Pit Latrine Handover Ceremony at Exodus School in Kampala, Uganda.

• Collection: Rainwater is captured from the roofs of classrooms and other buildings.

• Filtration: The water passes through simple filters to remove debris.

• Storage: Large tanks store the clean water for daily use.

• Distribution: Water is made available for drinking, handwashing, and cleaning.

  
  

This system is designed to be low-cost, easy to maintain, and scalable to other schools facing similar challenges.

Building Stronger Community Relationships

The success of projects like the rainwater harvesting system depends on strong relationships with local leaders and community members. Peyton’s visit emphasized the importance of listening to those who live and work in the area.

By spending time in the community, the team gained a deeper understanding of local needs and priorities. This approach ensures that projects are relevant, sustainable, and supported by those they serve.

Facing Challenges Head-On

The trip also highlighted the difficulties that come with community development work. Unexpected issues arise, such as delays in material delivery, maintenance challenges, and the need for ongoing training.

Addressing these problems requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. The team’s presence on the ground allows for quick responses and adjustments, which keeps projects moving forward.

Looking Ahead: Continuing to Build Impact

The work at Exodus Nursery and Primary School is just one example of how direct engagement and practical solutions can make a difference. Moving forward, the focus will remain on:

• Strengthening local partnerships to ensure projects meet real needs.

• Expanding water access initiatives to other schools and communities.

• Providing ongoing support and training to maintain infrastructure.

• Listening and adapting based on community feedback.

  
  

This approach builds lasting change by empowering communities and addressing challenges with realistic, effective solutions.

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