Speaking at the launch, Hon. Wamala Nambozo Florence, the Woman MP for Sironko District and Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, hailed the program as a “bold step toward transforming hygiene and sanitation standards in schools across Uganda.”
“A child who is sick cannot learn. A teacher who lacks hygiene facilities cannot maintain a healthy classroom. A community that neglects sanitation cannot prosper,” Nambozo said, stressing that the program aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP III) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 & 6).
The Dettol Hygiene Quest, funded by Reckitt and implemented by Chil Femtech Limited, a digital health company, seeks to embed hygiene education in the national school curriculum. It aims to create safer, healthier learning environments by combining education, technology, and infrastructure development.
Dr. Shamim Nabuuma, the Chief Executive Officer of Chil Femtech and the Dettol Hygiene Quest Focal Person, underscored that education and health are inseparable pillars of national development.
“Schools must not only be centers of learning but also safe and healthy spaces for every child,” Dr. Nabuuma emphasised.
The first phase of the program, rolled out in the districts of Ibanda, Kanungu, Kisoro, and Rakai, saw the construction of 1,500 hand washing facilities in 750 schools, the training of teachers, and the distribution of over 100,000 learning materials to pupils.
The initiative also extended beyond school boundaries, with community hand washing facilities installed to reinforce hygiene practices at home.
Dr. Nabuuma revealed that the first phase uncovered a strong desire among learners and parents to maintain hygiene even outside school environments—prompting the expansion of the project to communities.
“Learners developed an urge to keep washing hands even while at home, and their parents were equally motivated,” she said.
The project also introduced Keti AI Chatbot, an innovative digital tool enabling schools and local governments to track absenteeism, monitor hygiene practices, and evaluate teaching performance in real time. This, Nambozo said, represents a major leap toward “data-driven health and education management.”
As the Phase II rollout begins, the program is expanding to Isingiro, Gulu, Lira, Jinja, Kasese, and Kampala, where thousands of new hand washing facilities will be built to reach millions of learners.
Hon. Nambozo applauded Reckitt, Chil Femtech, and all development partners for their commitment to “inclusive, innovative, and scalable solutions.”
“When government, development partners, and the private sector work together, we can deliver sustainable change. This is not just about infrastructure or technology—it is about changing mindsets and saving lives,” she said.
The event, graced by senior Reckitt executives and government officials, reaffirmed a shared commitment to nurturing a generation that values hygiene, health, and dignity.
“A healthy child today is a stronger, more productive citizen tomorrow,” Nambozo concluded.