Experts say to make hygiene second nature for every Ugandan child

KAMPALA - Poor hygiene, as one of the silent barriers pushing Ugandan children out of school, is the main reason experts have embarked on improving sanitation, health for learners, families, and communities across the country.

“With phase two, we are going further, reaching more schools, introducing new materials, and strengthening our community partnerships. Our goal is simple, but powerful; to help make hygiene second nature for every child in Uganda,” remarked Dr Shamim Nabuuma.

Nabuuma, also the chief executive officer Chil Group of Companies, made the remarks on Wednesday (October 15, 2025) at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Kololo in Kampala during the launch of what she termed ‘Phase Two’ of the Dettol Hygiene Quest, a sanitation drive promoting and equipping young children with essential hygiene life skills.

She said on starting the programme, they looked at every child in Uganda, emphasising the importance of handwashing as a health important aspect.

“In phase one, we reached 750 schools in Uganda, we constructed 1,500 handwashing facilities, and in those schools, children became hygiene ambassadors, and being ambassadors, they were teaching each other,” Nabuuma said.

She added, “Over 450,000 students and educators were impacted. The difference was visible: fewer illnesses, children proudly washing hands, and communities beginning to embrace hygiene as part of learning.”

Reckitt has invested in Chil Group through WINFUND to run the programme effectively.

Dr Shamim Nabuuma said that on starting the programme, they looked at every child in Uganda, emphasising the importance of handwashing as a health-promoting aspect. (Credit: Douglas Mubiru)

500,000 more children to be reached

“This year, we’re expanding to 750 more schools in high-need areas. We shall reach over 500,000 more children, teachers, and parents,” Dr Nabuuma emphasised.

She said they will also launch the Dettol Hygiene Quest App to track progress and attendance, training teachers to make hygiene a fun, daily habit, and partnering with parents, leaders, and government to ensure sustainability.

Districts, namely, Lira, Gulu, Kampala, Isingiro, and Sironko, among others, will reach out in Phase II.

Govt to continue prioritising access to clean water

In her remarks, the Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Florence Nambozo Wamala, commended Rectitt for their continued partnership and dedication to supporting Uganda’s development agenda, particularly in areas improving the well-being of Ugandan children.

“A child who is sick cannot learn. A teacher who lacks hygiene facilities cannot maintain a healthy classroom, and a community that neglects sanitation cannot prosper.

That’s why the Government of Uganda, under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, continues to prioritise clean water, hygiene education, and sanitation as part of the National Development Plan (NDP III),” the minister said.

She said permanent handwashing facilities in schools have been constructed, enabling learners to wash their hands with clean water and Dettol soap.

The Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Florence Nambozo Wamala, commended Rectitt for their continued partnership and dedication to supporting Uganda’s development agenda, particularly in areas improving the well-being of Ugandan children.

“As we launch Phase II of the Denttol Hygiene Quest programme, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to promoting hygiene, dignity, and health across all schools and communities in Uganda.

Let us build on the progress we have seen and ensure that every child in every corner of our country grows up understanding that handwashing is the first step to a healthy future,” Minister Nambozo remarked.

Education ministry lauds Dettol

Dr Safina Musene, the commissioner of health training institutions at the Ministry of Education and Sports, lauded Dettol for the initiative, insisting that they are together and that they will continue sensitising teachers as a ministry. 

“Washing hands is very important, and as you see, where Dettol has been, the attendance has also improved in our schools. We thank them, and we are looking forward to working with them in all the new schools throughout the country where they will be,” said Musene.

Jinja District Education Officer, Eria Kisambira, called upon parents to also sensitise and teach their children how to maintain cleanliness while at home, making the move easy when they come to school.

Minister Nambozo said permanent handwashing facilities in schools have been constructed, enabling learners to wash their hands with clean water and Dettol soap. (New Vision/Files)

Headteachers speak out

Agustino Natukunda, headteacher Brain Giant Nursery and Primary School, Kanungu

“When the project came, everything began to change. We received two proper handwashing stations, and our learners were taught step by step how to wash their hands with Dettol soap. It might be a simple thing, but to us, it was a turning point, and slowly, sickness reduced, children became healthier, and attendance improved.”

Edvina Twinomuhangi, headteacher, Rwengwe II Primary School, Ibanda

“The Keti Chatbot has also been a great addition. It helps our teachers keep hygiene lessons alive in every subject, and it reminds both us and the community to continue using Dettol soap. It has kept us consistent and made handwashing a natural part of our daily routine.”