Jinja schools to benefit from AI-driven hygiene education initiative

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Schools in Jinja district are set to benefit from an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven hygiene education initiative.

The development follows officials from the Jinja District Local Government partnering with Dettol Hygiene Quest Uganda to embed AI-powered hygiene education in schools, ensuring long-term sustainability and local ownership.

The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 15, 2026, marks a strategic shift from donor-funded projects to an integrated, district-led approach to hygiene education.

Under the agreement, according to a statement, hygiene promotion will be incorporated into existing education and public health structures, ensuring continuity beyond initial funding support from Reckitt.

District officials say the move is aimed at improving child health, reducing preventable diseases and enhancing school attendance by making hygiene education a routine part of teaching and learning rather than a stand-alone intervention.

As part of the agreement, Jinja district has committed to take full responsibility for overseeing and sustaining the programme.

Hygiene education will now be embedded into school supervision, planning and monitoring systems, strengthening accountability while reducing dependence on external partners.

Free-realtime guidance

A standout feature of the partnership is the deployment of AI to support teachers and education managers. Through the Dettol Hygiene Quest AI Chatbot, teachers will access free, real-time guidance on how to integrate hygiene concepts into daily lesson plans and classroom activities. The digital tool is designed to support educators in resource-constrained schools without imposing additional costs.

The initiative also introduces AI-powered analysis of student absenteeism.

Schools and district education officers are expected to upload attendance data onto the platform, allowing them to identify long-term trends and health-related causes of absenteeism associated with poor hygiene. These insights will inform targeted interventions such as hygiene sensitisation campaigns, improved handwashing facilities and school-based health outreach.

Examinations

In addition, the partnership strengthens monitoring of learning outcomes by embedding hygiene-related questions into termly examinations. At least four hygiene questions will be included at the beginning, middle and end of each school term, with results analysed using the AI platform to assess knowledge retention and behaviour change among learners.

Dr Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, the founder and chief executive officer of Chil AI Lab and Focal Person for Dettol Hygiene Quest Uganda, said the integration of AI enhances transparency and impact.

“By embedding AI-driven tools into Jinja district’s operations, we are not only promoting hygiene but also verifying real improvements in attendance and child health,” she said, adding that the MoU ensures the initiative is driven by local leadership and accessible technology.

The Jinja District Local Government welcomed the partnership, citing the in-kind support provided, including handwashing facilities, learner-friendly hygiene materials and digital monitoring systems.

Officials noted that the resources will enable schools to sustain hygiene education independently while aligning with national health and education priorities.

The partnership is being positioned as a scalable model for other districts seeking sustainable, technology-enabled solutions to improve school health and learning outcomes across Uganda.