Rotarians under the Kampala Rotary Club have committed themselves to promote handwashing in Butuntumula sub-county, Luwero district.

This is aimed at fighting against waterborne diseases that stem from failing to wash hands and consuming dirty water.

The locals attending the event at Kansilir primary School. Photos by Agnes Nantambi

Speaking during the commemoration of the Global Hand Washing Day, at Kansiliri Primary School in Butuntumula sub-county, Luwero district, Jimmy Serugo, the past president of Kampala Rotary club stressed that lack of water was the biggest challenge in Butuntumula sub-county.   

“We came to Kansili after realising this is a big problem, we implemented a water project here, provided water to the community and built three solar pumped water wells. Now that people have clean water, we have come back to sensitise them about the benefit of handwashing, cleanliness, and hygiene to avoid diseases," he said.

Prof.Francis Omaswa speaking during the commemoration of the Global Hand Washing Day.

The day he said was commemorated in partnership with the JICA and ACHEST to sensitise the community on hand washing.  

He said the club was triggered to invest in water because the place was water-stressed with no single water source.

He explained that in May this year, the Permanent Secretary ministry of water instructed the district engineer to enhance the capacity of the wells to distribute water to a wider community.

The Global Handwashing Day is an International UN designated event commemorated every October 15.

“Rotary is coming in because WASH is one of our focus areas and because we are working with this community. We want to constantly engage them to improve their wellbeing," he said.

Henry Lugamba, the current president of the Kampala Rotary club said this year’s day was to celebrate the partnership with the community in promoting handwashing.

"Residents in Kansiri did not have water. To get water, they had to trek long distances," he said.

Mariko Imamura the Japan International cooperation Agency uganda officer country representative demostrating how to wash hands.

Godfrey Sembebwa the vice-chairperson LC3 Butuntumula sub-county applauded the Rotary club of Kampala towards their support in the area, saying the entire sub-county was characterized by drinking unclean water.

“Ever since Rotary came in this community life has not remained the same, death from diarrheal diseases have greatly reduced," he said.

Sembebwa asked the residents of Kansili, Kalwanga, Nabigoza and other surrounding villages to embrace handwashing if they are to save money to improve their wellbeing.

He also appealed to the Rotarians to consider providing them with a health Centre to reduce the distance expectant mothers trek.  

Prof, Francis Omaswa the Director ACHEST implored the leaders of Luwero district to lead by example so that it can act as a model district in disease prevention.