Improved sanitation facilities boost enrollment in Ugandan schools – Church News

Report on Collaborative WASH Initiatives in Rural Uganda and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Project Overview and Partnership

A multi-stakeholder partnership is making significant progress in addressing critical water and sanitation needs in rural Uganda, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A collaborative effort between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, UNICEF, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has implemented key Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure projects in the Kabarole and Bunyangabu districts. This initiative serves as a model for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), uniting non-governmental, faith-based, and intergovernmental organizations with local government to achieve common development objectives.

The project was catalyzed by a $300,000 grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the IRC in 2024. An official handover ceremony was held on September 30, 2025, to celebrate the completion of key project phases.

2.0 Infrastructure Development and Contribution to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

The project’s primary focus is the advancement of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Tangible outcomes have been achieved through targeted infrastructure development.

2.1 Kabarole District Developments

1. Completion of Phases I and II of the Buhara water supply project.
2. Construction of an 80,000-liter reservoir on Magunga Hill, Bwanika.
3. Installation of five new public standpipes for community access.
4. Establishment of 10 direct household water connections.

2.2 Bunyangabu District Developments

• Construction of new sanitation facilities at Kibiito Primary School.
• Construction of new sanitation facilities at Ruboona Primary School.
• Upgraded sanitation facilities at the Kabonero Health Center.
• Upgraded sanitation facilities at the Kibate Health Center.

3.0 Impact on Health, Education, and Community Well-being

The project’s impact extends beyond infrastructure, contributing significantly to other interconnected SDGs, particularly in health and education.

3.1 Advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education)

• Health (SDG 3): By providing sanitation facilities at local health centers and promoting hygiene, the project directly supports community health, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Education (SDG 4): Local officials report that in schools where WASH facilities were improved, student enrollment and academic performance have increased. The provision of safe, clean latrines is crucial for keeping students, particularly girls, in school.
• Community Engagement: The “WASH Angels” health club at Rubona Primary School exemplifies a sustainable approach to education, empowering students to become hygiene advocates within their school and the wider community through creative arts.

4.0 Measurable Outcomes and Stakeholder Endorsements

The success of the initiative is evidenced by measurable improvements and strong endorsements from local leaders.

4.1 Key Performance Indicators

• Access to safe drinking water in the Kabarole District has increased from 65% in 2018 to 77%.
• Projections indicate that access could reach 80% upon the final completion of the Buhara water supply infrastructure.

4.2 Official Statements

• Richard Rwabuhinga, Chairman of the Kabarole District Local Government, commended the strong partnership and acknowledged that the Church’s contribution significantly accelerated the project’s progress.
• James Ategeka, Chairman of Bunyangabu District, directly linked the improved WASH facilities in schools to better educational outcomes.
• Jane Nabunnya Mulumba, IRC Uganda Country Director, emphasized to students that the new facilities are a symbol of hygiene and an encouragement to remain in school.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues and initiatives that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus is on water and sanitation, but the impacts extend to health, education, and partnerships.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: This is the most prominent SDG addressed. The article’s core subject is the “persistent lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation in rural Uganda” and the implementation of “WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) infrastructure projects” to combat this issue.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The provision of clean water and sanitation facilities is fundamental to public health. The article mentions the construction of sanitation facilities at “Kabonero and Kibate health centers,” directly linking the project to healthcare infrastructure and the prevention of water-borne diseases.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: The article establishes a clear link between WASH facilities and education. It notes that “sanitation facilities were built for Kibiito and Ruboona primary schools” and quotes a district chairman stating that where these facilities have been improved, “enrollment has increased and academic performance has improved.”
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The entire project is an example of a multi-stakeholder partnership. The article describes a “collaboration between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, UNICEF and the International Rescue Committee (IRC)” working together with “local government officials, community leaders and members.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the actions and outcomes described, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • The article directly addresses this by describing the “Buhara, Uganda, water supply project,” which included the addition of “five public standpipes and 10 household connections” and the construction of an “80,000-liter reservoir.” The goal is to increase access to safe drinking water for the communities in the Kabarole and Bunyangabu districts.
2. Target 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
   • This target is addressed through the construction of “sanitation facilities… for Kibiito and Ruboona primary schools and Kabonero and Kibate health centers.” Furthermore, the promotion of hygiene is highlighted through the school’s “WASH health club” and the encouragement for students to “go home and teach your parents and family about cleanliness and hygiene.”
3. Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
   • The project directly contributes to this target by building sanitation facilities in schools. The article notes that these facilities are seen as a way to “encourage you to stay in school” and have led to increased enrollment and improved academic performance, thereby creating a more effective and inclusive learning environment.
4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
   • The project itself is a model of this target. The article details the partnership between a religious organization (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), non-governmental organizations (UNICEF, IRC), and public entities (“Kabarole District Local Government”). The chairman commended the “strong partnership between the district and the IRC,” showcasing an effective collaboration.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• For Target 6.1:
  • Indicator 6.1.1 (Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services): The article provides specific data for this indicator. The chairman of the Kabarole District states that “access to safe drinking water in the district had increased from 65% to 77% and could reach 80%” upon the project’s completion.
  • The number of new water points is also an indicator: “five public standpipes and 10 household connections.”
  • The capacity of new infrastructure is mentioned: an “80,000-liter reservoir.”
• For Target 4.a:
  • Indicator 4.a.1 (Proportion of schools with access to basic drinking water and single-sex basic sanitation facilities): The article implies progress by stating that sanitation facilities were built for two primary schools. The positive outcomes mentioned, such as “enrollment has increased and academic performance has improved,” serve as impact indicators for creating a better learning environment.
• For Target 17.17:
  • Indicator 17.17.1 (Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships): The article provides a specific financial figure for this partnership, stating that a “$300,000 grant from the Church to the IRC in 2024 sparked” the projects.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thechurchnews.com