Eight villages in Nyakacwamba Parish, Ntara Sub-county in Kitagwenda District, have officially been declared open defecation free by the Ministry of Water and Environment following significant improvements in sanitation and hygiene standards.
The declaration, announced on Tuesday, follows a home sanitation improvement campaign implemented under the Protection and Equitable Use of Water Resources Programme spearheaded by Joint Efforts to Save the Environment with support from Join For Water.
The campaign focused on extending piped water services to eight villages namely Kapapali, Mpanga, Nyakachwamba I, Nyakachwamba II, Karubuguma I, Karubuguma II, Karere, and Rwengwe.
According to Kitagwenda District Principal Health Inspector, Sarah Iremeera, the intervention greatly improved sanitation and hygiene in the area, with latrine coverage increasing from 68 percent to 100 percent.
“The campaign has transformed sanitation and hygiene in these communities. Latrine coverage has improved from 68 percent to 100 percent, while washable toilets have increased from 3 percent to 13 percent, alongside other sanitation improvements,” Iremeera said.
While officiating at the declaration ceremony, Emmanuel Okurut applauded residents for embracing the sanitation campaign and urged them to maintain the standards achieved.
“We appreciate community members for responding positively to the campaign and working together to improve sanitation. The biggest task now is sustaining these achievements to ensure healthier communities,” Okurut said.
Kitagwenda Resident District Commissioner, Isiah Byarugaba Kanyamahane, who officiated as chief guest, called upon residents to continue practicing proper sanitation and hygiene for the wellbeing of their families and communities.
“The knowledge and practices you have gained during this campaign are for your own good. I encourage everyone to continue maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation standards,” Kanyamahane said.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Water and Environment, Kitagwenda District’s overall latrine coverage currently stands at 68 percent, with leaders expressing hope that more communities will attain open defecation free status through continued sanitation interventions.
