Over 50,000 improved toilets transform Tooro region’s sanitation

In a major stride toward improved health and sanitation, over 50,900 improved toilets have been constructed across the Tooro sub-region, significantly boosting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) outcomes for residents.

This progress was driven by the Financial Inclusion Improved Sanitation and Health (FINISH) Mondial program, implemented by Amref Health Africa Uganda in partnership with Caritas HEWASA and Aqua for All with funds from the Government of the Netherlands.

Launched in 2018, the six-year initiative aimed not just to upgrade sanitation infrastructure but also to promote financial inclusion and public health awareness in the districts of Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo, Bunyangabo, and Fort Portal City.

At the program’s closing ceremony held at the Kabarole District offices on Tuesday, Teo Namata, Program Manager for FINISH MONDIAL, reflected on the region’s sanitation challenges at the project’s outset.

In 2018, a baseline survey revealed that only 1% of households in Kabarole had improved toilets.

Bunyangabo stood at 0.6%, while Kyenjojo had no recorded improved sanitation facilities.

Open defecation was widespread, and cases of diseases such as diarrhoea and typhoid were rampant.

Namata emphasized that the project introduced low-cost, sustainable toilet technologies including Eco toilets, lined Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines, and pour-flush toilets in homes, schools and other places.

These were promoted based on household or institutional preferences, financial ability, and maintenance capacity.

“These technologies are low-cost and reusable, meaning one can build a toilet once and use it for a lifetime. Today, we celebrate the construction of 50,900 improved toilets, the training of 500 masons, and WASH education reaching over 300,000 people,” Namata said.

Improved toilet coverage now stands at 14% in Kabarole and 12% in Bunyangabo, compared to the national average of 34%. However, the general latrine coverage for Kabarole stands at 94%.

(L-R) Dr. Tonny Kapsandui The head of programs at Amref health Africa Uganda interact with Dr. Didacus Namanya of the health ministry department of enviromental health, Marvin Mugarura, the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for Kabarole district and Olweny Lamu Lambert Omalla the Assistant Commissioner, Planning and Development, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department at the Ministry of Water & Environment. This was during the closing celebration of the Financial Inclusion Improved Sanitation and Health (FINISH) Mondial program at Kabarole district office. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Capacity building and sustainability

Namata highlighted the program’s focus on building capacity for health assistants and Village Health Teams (VHTs) to ensure the continued promotion of hygiene practices beyond the program’s life cycle.

A faecal sludge treatment plant was also established in Kyegobe, Fort Portal, to process sewage and convert it into compost for farming.

The program aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III and supports Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation, good health and well-being, climate action, and global partnerships.

FINISH Mondial applied a "diamond approach" involving four key pillars: government collaboration for policy and standard-setting, community participation, skilled entrepreneurs for toilet construction, and financial institutions offering sanitation loans.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Didacus Namanya noted that 75% of Uganda’s disease burden stems from environmental health issues, with malaria topping the list.

He stressed that basic hygiene practices such as hand washing and toilet use are crucial in preventing illnesses like cholera and typhoid.

Namanya highlighted a new national cleaning day policy under cabinet review, aiming to instil a culture of regular community sanitation.

He also called for improved healthcare waste management, pointing out that poorly managed medical waste can cause more harm to patients.

“We’re developing climate-resilient health systems,” he added. “Over 200 health facilities will receive solar energy support through the World Bank to reduce dependency on diesel generators and minimize environmental impact.”

Teo Namata, the program manager Financial Inclusion Improved Sanitation and Health (FINISH) Mondial program in an interview with journalists during the closing celebration of the program at Kabarole district office. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

A call for local ownership

Lambert Olweny Lamu, Assistant Commissioner for Planning and Development in the Ministry of Water and Environment, recalled frequent cholera outbreaks in the region, especially in Kasese and Bundibugyo.

He underscored that sanitation is key to preventing diseases like polio, hepatitis, and diarrhoea, all of which drain family resources and productivity.

Omalla emphasised the need for proper sanitation in schools, noting that lack of hygiene facilities contributes to high absenteeism and dropout rates, particularly among girls.

Dr. Tonny Kapsandui, Head of Programs at Amref, affirmed the organisation's commitment to Uganda’s Vision 2040. “For Uganda to achieve middle-income status, health must be prioritised,” he said.

“We are proud to contribute to the national improvement in sanitation coverage, which has risen from 76% to 77% in rural areas and 89.7% to 90.6% in urban areas.”

Despite these gains, he warned that many Ugandans still lack even basic pit latrines, and open defecation remains a problem.

Kapsandui cited WHO statistics indicating that 600 African children die daily from diarrheal diseases, and 1,000 from respiratory conditions. He also mentioned that 50% to 70% of girls miss two school days each month due to lack of menstrual hygiene facilities.

Local leaders commend progress

Kabarole District LC5 Chairperson Richard Rwabuhinga applauded Amref’s contribution to the district’s 12-year WASH Master Plan launched in 2018.

He expressed optimism that improved sanitation would lower healthcare costs and increase household productivity.

“Sanitation is not just about cleanliness. It’s about dignity, development, and good health,” Rwabuhing said.

“Let’s remember: sanitation begins at home. Clean hands save lives, and open defecation must become a thing of the past.”

Assistant Resident District Commissioner Frank Asaba thanked the government for maintaining national security and allowing development partners to implement impactful programs.

“Unlike war-torn countries where development is impossible, we are fortunate to enjoy peace that facilitates progress,” he said.