Uganda on Friday joined the rest of the world to commemorate Global Handwashing Day.

The celebrations took place at the Ministry of Water and Environment, head offices in Luzira, Nakawa Division.

The day that was celebrated under the theme “Our Future is at Hand – Let us Move Forward", aims at calling for action for all stakeholders to join efforts in the promotion of hand hygiene as an effective way of preventing related diseases.

Ministry of Water and Environment

The day is commemorated every October 15 worldwide to analyse progress achieved by states in advancing food production, plan out new approaches and legislate policies that address the challenges related to handwashing.

Speaking at the function, Sam Cheptoris, the Minister of Water and Environment, said for the last two years, the Government through the COVID-19 task force and various partners, had amplified efforts in the promotion of hand hygiene across the country.

‘’Handwashing coverage has risen from 36% in 2020 to 44.7% in 2021, which is a great improvement,’’ said Cheptoris.

Twaha Kawaase, the second deputy Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom washing his hand using a handwashing sato tap. (Photo by Ramadhan Abbey)

He added that the performance was due to the Government and partners effort to sensitize Ugandans on the importance of handwashing and the provision of hand hygiene facilities.

According to World Vision, 29 million people lack access to improved sanitation, that is eight in every 10 people. Over 4,500 children under 5 die a year from diarrheal diseases attributed to contaminated water, poor sanitation and unsafe hygiene practices.