The Environmental Health Department under the Ministry of Health Uganda has officially launched Sanitation Week 2026, calling for renewed national efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene across the country.
The week-long campaign was launched under the theme “Accelerating Safely Managed Sanitation for a Healthy Uganda.” Activities began with a community clean-up exercise in Kamwokya, bringing together health officials, community members, and local leaders to promote proper waste management and environmental hygiene.
Officials said the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of safely managed sanitation, including proper waste disposal, access to clean sanitation facilities, and improved hygiene practices.
Speaking during the launch, representatives from the Environmental Health Department emphasized that sanitation remains a critical public health priority.
Poor sanitation is linked to the spread of preventable diseases such as diarrheal infections, cholera, and typhoid, which continue to affect many communities.
According to the World Health Organization, improved sanitation and hygiene practices can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases and improve overall community health.
Uganda has made progress in sanitation coverage over the years, but challenges remain, particularly in rapidly growing urban settlements and rural communities where access to safely managed sanitation services is still limited.
The clean-up exercise in Kamwokya involved clearing garbage from drainage channels, collecting litter from public spaces, and sensitizing residents on proper waste disposal and household sanitation practices.
Community leaders encouraged residents to maintain clean surroundings beyond the campaign period.
The Environmental Health Department noted that Sanitation Week will feature a series of activities across the country, including community sensitization campaigns, school outreach programs, inspections of sanitation facilities, and stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening sanitation services.
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader public health goals and global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which seeks to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.
Health officials urged communities, local governments, and development partners to work together to improve sanitation infrastructure and adopt better hygiene practices, emphasizing that a clean environment is essential for a healthy and productive population.