The 14th Annual Civil Society Organizations (CSO) WASH Forum, organized by the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET), attracted a diverse group of stakeholders committed to addressing critical issues in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. Key participants including the State Minister for Health (Primary Healthcare), Hon. Margaret Muhanga, emphasized the pressing challenges that Uganda faces in ensuring comprehensive access to WASH services at both household and institutional levels.

During her remarks, Minister Muhanga acknowledged the progress made in expanding WASH services but cautioned that the journey is far from complete. She highlighted concerning statistics from the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, revealing that around 8 percent of the population still engages in open defecation, while approximately 51 percent lack adequate handwashing facilities.

The forum also featured insights from Mr. Ocare Dennis, the Assistant Commissioner for Planning at the Ministry of Water and Environment. He announced ambitious plans to enhance access to safe water sources, aiming to raise coverage from the current 79 percent to 95 percent across villages in Uganda.

The forum advocated for cooperative strategies among participants to foster WASH improvements in schools, communities, and health facilities. Board Chairperson UWASNET, Jane Nabunya underscored the vital role that collaboration plays in initiating positive changes within the WASH sector.