Govt pushes for behavioural change to combat hygiene-related diseases

The Ministry of Health is promoting behavioural and mindset change as a key strategy to combat preventable diseases caused by poor hygiene and sanitation, in a bid to improve public health across the country.

Marion Natukunda, senior communications officer at the Ministry of Health and thematic lead for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) – HPE&C, said that 70% of diseases in Uganda are preventable, with most linked to inadequate hygiene and sanitation.

She made the remarks during a joint press briefing held on May 30, 2025, at the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET) offices in Luzira, Kampala, during the launch of the inaugural WASH Impact and Influence Awards, scheduled for October 3, 2025.

The Government of Uganda, in collaboration with key development partners, will recognise outstanding individuals, media practitioners and organisations making significant contributions towards tackling WASH challenges.

The awards, spearheaded by UWASNET in partnership with the ministries of water and environment, health, education and sports, aim to honour champions advancing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) efforts nationwide.

Natukunda described the awards as a “critical milestone” for increasing public awareness and stakeholder engagement on hygiene and sanitation.

She emphasised that cleanliness begins at home, stressing that good health is unachievable if one’s surroundings, water storage, and living spaces are unclean.

The awards, she added, will honour everyday heroes transforming homes and communities into clean, safe, and dignified environments.

She underscored the need for personal initiative, saying improved health starts with integrated hygiene practices at home.

Natukunda warned that communities with unsafe water and poor sanitation remain vulnerable to preventable diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, and cholera.

(L-R) Martin Kityo, the Liaison and Networking Officer UWASNET, Ministry of Health Senior Communications Officer Marion Natukunda, Ministry of Water and Environment Sanitation Coordinator Martha Naigaga, and Musa Burungi from Minstry of Education and Sports. (Credit: Jeff Andrew Lule)

“You may live in a small homestead, but is your water storage hygienic? Is the tap area clean? Is wastewater flowing properly or is it becoming a breeding site for mosquitoes?” she asked.

She also highlighted the ministry’s drive to promote integrated home practices, insisting that clean water must go hand in hand with clean environments.

She stressed the importance of cleaning or covering drainage systems and clearing bushes to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and reduce the risk of malaria.

Natukunda noted that the ministry is prioritising behavioural and mindset change through awareness campaigns aimed at making cleanliness a way of life.

“If we deal with how we behave in the community, our attitude and mindset towards our wellbeing, knowing that we need to be healthy, drink clean water, sleep under mosquito nets, stay in a clean environment, then we shall have fewer diseases,” she added.

Martin Kityo, UWASNET’s liaison and networking officer, said the awards will feature various categories designed to celebrate excellence and innovation in the sector.

These include the Best WASH Programmatic Impact Award, which recognises transformative initiatives with measurable community-level outcomes; the Youth-led WASH Initiative Award; the Best Technology Innovation and WASH Financing Award; and the Media Excellence in WASH Reporting Award, which will be divided into print, electronic, TV, radio, and multimedia.

Other categories include the Research and Academic Excellence in WASH Award, as well as the prestigious Lifetime Achievement in WASH Award.

Kityo said interested applicants are encouraged to visit the UWASNET website to download the application forms. Completed applications, along with supporting documents such as reports, images and testimonials, should be submitted via the UWASNET email or portal.

The submission period runs from May 30 to August 15, 2025, and the shortlist will be announced on September 15, 2025.

He said the awards offer a national platform to promote innovation and share best practices.

“This is more than recognition. It’s a rallying call for change-makers to share their stories, inspire action, and help Uganda close the WASH gap,” Kityo said.

Despite progress, Kityo noted that over 30 million Ugandans still lack access to safe sanitation, and 14 million lack access to clean water.

He emphasised the urgent need to close WASH gaps, as many communities continue to experience water shortages, poor hygiene, and growing climate-related risks.

Martha Naigaga, sanitation coordinator at the Ministry of Water and Environment, acknowledged the gains made toward universal access to clean water.

She reported that 67% of rural homes and 80% of villages now have safe water sources.
“While progress is evident, much work remains to achieve universal access because everyone needs water,” she said.

Naigaga stressed that water is vital not only for survival but also for productivity, education, and health.

Musa Birungi from the Ministry of Education and Sports said that currently, 58% of schools have access to clean water, while the rest rely on community sources.

“We provide maintenance grants to schools to support the construction of latrines. In collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment and the Ministry of Health, we also promote proper handwashing practices in schools. This helps reduce the spread of disease, allowing children to attend school without interruption,” he said.