This paper shares the strategies, experiences and lessons learnt by World Vision Uganda (WVU) after implementing a market-based low-cost water project using locally-made rope pumps. The previous rope pump pilot projects in Uganda had not been so successful. In 2012 WVU introduced three new rope pump models that cater for communal and family water sources and costed one-tenth of the cost of the conventional U2 hand pumps. The locally-made rope pumps were implemented under a self supply approach to rural community. Experience from this project showed that the failure of previous rope pump projects was due to the approaches used. The current rope pumps were installed in two communities and three schools with high population numbers and are still functional because the rope pumps were implemented as a self supply technology. Successful introduction of new rope pumps requires a self supply approach; first promote it at household and then community.