Building capacity for safe drinking water in Kigezi, Uganda
Growing up in the Kigezi Highlands of Uganda, where access to clean drinking water was a struggle, ignited a deep passion for water quality management in Dr Alex Saturday. Now a dedicated researcher and Lecturer in Environmental Sciences at Kabale University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Dr Saturday’s work focuses on understanding the ecological factors influencing water safety and developing sustainable solutions for improving water quality. A recipient of the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) Catalyst grant, we recently had a conversation about his work collaborating with Prof Katrina Charles at the School of Geography and Environment. AfOx Catalyst grants support the development of collaborative research between researchers based in African research institutions and at the University of Oxford,
Can you tell us about your research and how the AfOx Catalyst Grant has helped bring your project to life?
My research focuses on aquatic ecology and water quality monitoring in the Kigezi Highlands of Uganda, where access to safe drinking water is critical. The AfOx Catalyst Grant has expanded my research network and allowed me to connect with resourceful people at Oxford and other UK institutions in water quality monitoring, aquatic ecology science, and support fields like photonics. This has enabled me to enhance my research and support creative approaches to addressing water quality problems within the region.
What inspired you to pursue this particular area of aquatic ecology and water quality monitoring, and what impact do you hope your research will have?
Having grown in the Kigezi Highlands, I have seen the hardships people go through to secure clean drinking water. This experience ignited my passion for water quality management. My research seeks to understand the ecological factors affecting water safety and to develop sustainable, locally relevant strategies for improving water quality. I aim to improve public health, by helping to eliminate waterborne diseases and working toward more resilient water systems. The impact of my work could extend beyond the Kigezi Highlands, offering a model for addressing similar challenges, especially in rural African communities.
Have you faced any significant challenges in your research journey, and how have you overcome them?
Yes. One of the major challenges has been that Kabale University, being a young University, has not yet acquired excellent equipment and laboratory facilities that would enable the researchers to collect and analyse data easily. To address this challenge, I have established collaborations with institutions such as the University of Cambridge and BOKU University which provide access to cutting-edge research infrastructure. I also collaborate with local institutions in Uganda, such as the Ministry of Water and Environment, which has always been supportive with laboratory analysis.
Collaboration is a key part of the AfOx initiative—how has the grant helped you build meaningful partnerships, and what has been the most exciting outcome so far?
The AfOx Catalyst Grant has opened up numerous opportunities for collaboration with experts in systems thinking, aquatic ecosystems, and water sanitation. A key aspect of this has been working with Dr. Saskia Nowicki, an expert in systems thinking, under the guidance of Prof. Katrina Charles, whose leadership in water safety and sanitation has been instrumental in shaping my research. This collaboration has helped me integrate holistic and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding water quality challenges in the Kigezi Highlands. Through these engagements, I have gained deeper insights into integrated water management strategies, strengthening both my research and practical applications. This partnership has laid the foundation for ongoing and future projects focused on improving water safety, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable solutions for both Africa and the UK.
What advice would you give to aspiring researchers, especially those looking to create real-world change through their work?
Aspiring researchers, stay committed to your research and the real-world applications of it. We can get too academic about this and we shouldn’t — the real-world impact of research is that it solves problems and improves lives. Also, do not hesitate to join academic forces; real collaborations are the secret to fostering change, which will drive us into the world we would love to live in. Finally, stay persistent — research can be rough, your resilience and impact will pay off in the longrun.
Additional information:
Main image: Dr Alex Saturday at the School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford.