Ntungamo Marks Sanitation Week and World Water Day

By Kushaba Anthony 

Ntungamo District, Uganda – Residents and leaders on Monday gathered at Kataraka Primary School playground in Nyakyera Sub-county to mark Sanitation Week and World Water Day, with a renewed focus on improving hygiene and access to clean water.

 The celebrations, themed "Sanitation for Dignity and Inclusiveness" and "Water and Environmental Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods," highlighted progress and challenges in the district’s water and sanitation efforts.

Nyakyera Sub- County Local Council Chairperson Stephen Kazoora praised the district’s leadership for mobilizing communities to embrace better sanitation practices. He also commended the ongoing rehabilitation of the Kanyara Gravity Flow Scheme, which is expected to increase access to clean water for local households.

Health officials emphasized the need for improved hygiene. Nyakyera Sub-county Health Inspector Edwin Asiimwe noted that many families in Kiyoora, Kataraka, and Ngoma lacked drying racks, hand-washing stations, and proper latrines. Some homes even shared living spaces with animals, raising health risks. To address these issues, residents have received training on best practices such as backyard gardening, proper utensil care, and safe water usage.

Senior Environmental Health Officer Rolands Nahabwe stressed the importance of inclusive sanitation facilities and water accessibility in disease prevention. Ntungamo District Water Officer Prosper Butubuura added that authorities are expanding water services to rural areas, reviving dormant water sources, and encouraging women’s participation in water user committees to oversee community resources.

Local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sanitation. Senior Assistant Secretary Gerald Niwagaba urged communities to maintain good hygiene standards, while National Water and Sewerage Corporation Representative Philibert Bankunda announced efforts to extend clean water to several town councils, including Kitwe, Nyakyera, Kafunjo-Mirama, and Ruhaama.

Ministry of Water official Naome Atuhaire lauded Ntungamo’s  water and sanitation improvements, noting that the district had moved from position 118 to 28 nationally in all service delivery areas where water and sanitation contributes highly in rankings.

District Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigooba and Resident District Commissioner Isaiah Byarugaba Kanyamahane called for the protection of water sources, urging communities to safeguard sanitation projects for long-term benefits.

As part of the celebrations, 30 families were recognized for their exemplary hygiene practices, a move aimed at encouraging more households to adopt clean and safe sanitation standards.