The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Water for People have partnered to construct modern sanitation facilities at two government-aided primary schools in Mukono Municipality—Bishop East Primary School and Nyenje Church of Uganda Primary School—significantly improving hygiene and safety for hundreds of pupils.
Commissioned this week, the new infrastructure is valued at Shs270 million and includes five-stance lined VIP latrines for boys and girls, a menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) incinerator, a dedicated washroom for girls, and mass hand-washing stations.
The donation comes as many public schools in Uganda continue to grapple with poor sanitation and inadequate infrastructure.
The upgrades are expected to especially benefit girls, for whom inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities have long been a barrier to consistent school attendance.
During the official handover, Rev. Canon Godfrey Ssegendo, Provost of Mukono Cathedral, praised the intervention as an example of faith in action.
“Christianity is not only about preaching the Word, but also showing love through actions that uplift communities,” Rev. Ssegendo said.
Fredrick Kyambadde, representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the Church prioritises projects that directly improve lives.
“The world is not sustained by the word of God alone, but by action. That is why we chose to support schools with infrastructure that keeps students safe and healthy,” he said.
Residents of Mukono welcomed the project but urged the government to also renovate ageing classroom blocks, some of which have become hazardous during storms.
Mukono Municipality Resident District Commissioner Rhoda Titwe Kagaga cautioned headteachers against sending pupils home over unpaid fees, saying parents must take full responsibility for their children’s education.
“Let us keep our children in school. The responsibility begins at home,” she said.
Poor or unsafe sanitation is a leading cause of absenteeism and dropout among schoolgirls across Uganda.
With the improved facilities now in place, the two schools are expected to record better attendance and provide a more dignified learning environment for all pupils.
