KITAGWENDA – A recent report has revealed serious sanitation and hygiene gaps in Kitagwenda District, with 32 out of 100 families in Nyabbani Sub-County still practising open defecation.
The findings were released last week by Johnson Musinguzi, the Assistant District Health Officer (ADHO) in charge of Environment and Sanitation, during the launch of a major sanitation campaign targeting four parishes: Rwenkubebe A, Rwenkubebe B, Rwemirama A, and Rwemirama B.
According to the report, even among households with latrines, 95% do not wash their hands with soap and sufficient water after using them, placing residents at heightened risk of preventable diseases.
“This means that out of 100 families, only five wash their hands after using the latrine, which exposes the community to preventable diseases,” Musinguzi said. He noted that latrine coverage in Nyabbani currently stands at 68%, leaving 32 out of every 100 families without access to proper sanitation facilities. District-wide, latrine coverage is 87%, while handwashing coverage remains at only 25%.
The sanitation campaign, running until June 2026, aims to achieve full handwashing and water coverage and encourage lasting behavioural change to reduce hygiene-related illnesses, particularly diarrheal diseases.
District officials emphasised the importance of adopting good hygiene practices. Kitagwenda Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Moses Akankwatsa urged residents to prioritise hygiene as a foundation for stronger households and better livelihoods.
“If you want to improve your household income, start with good health. You don’t have to waste money on diseases that can be prevented,” Akankwatsa said.
Acting District Health Officer Dr. Irene Kahimakazi expressed optimism about the campaign’s impact. “We expect this initiative to significantly reduce diseases caused by poor hygiene, especially diarrheal illnesses that continue to affect our communities,” she said.
District Vice Chairperson Peter Ashaba encouraged residents to follow the guidance of health workers, while Deputy Resident District Commissioner Benjamin Tumusiime, who officially launched the campaign, warned that enforcement measures would target those who fail to comply with sanitation standards.
“Anyone who refuses to comply with the sanitation guidelines will face arrest,” Tumusiime stated.
District leaders hope the campaign will foster lasting behaviour change, reduce open defecation, and improve overall public health in Nyabbani Sub-County and across Kitagwenda District.
