Community-initiated water management platforms have emerged as a critical strategy for improving access to clean drinking water in urban settings of Uganda. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, focus group discussions, and case studies in selected urban communities to gather data on platform usage, community engagement, and financial sustainability indicators. The analysis revealed a significant disparity in adoption rates across different socio-economic groups, with higher-income areas showing greater uptake of the platforms. A key theme identified was the perceived benefits of hygiene education and water treatment as major motivators for participation. While initial investment costs were substantial, the long-term economic and health benefits suggest that targeted interventions could maximise cost-effectiveness by addressing specific community needs such as infrastructure improvements and educational resources. Communities with lower adoption rates should prioritise education campaigns and financial incentives to encourage wider participation. Urban planners should allocate additional resources towards supporting these platforms in underserved areas, particularly focusing on improving access for vulnerable populations. Water Management Platforms, Community Engagement, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Urban Development, Uganda