Zombo, Uganda: Muslim leaders in Paidha Town Council have commissioned a Shs37 million modern drainable toilet facility at Noor Mosque, a project aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene for worshippers.
The facility was officially unveiled on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the mosque premises in Ovuru Yindi Cell, bringing relief to thousands of congregants who use the mosque for daily prayers and community gatherings.
Construction of the sanitation facility began in 2023 and was fully funded through contributions from Muslim faithful, members of other religious denominations and businesspeople from Zombo, Nebbi, Koboko and surrounding districts.
The Chairperson of Noor Mosque, Hajji Saidi Ocaki, thanked the community for supporting the project from its inception.
“We appreciate everyone who contributed towards this project since its launch in 2023. Their generosity has helped us complete a facility that will serve the community for many years,” Ocaki said.
The mosque leadership says the new facility will also support the institution financially.
Yahaya Bhakit, the Chairperson of Works at the mosque, explained that the toilet facility will be operated in a way that generates revenue for the mosque. “This facility will also generate revenue for the mosque’s ongoing needs,” Bhakit said.
He noted that the income will help support operational and development activities at the mosque, reducing dependence on donations.
The newly commissioned structure features a drainable pour-flush system connected to a septic tank, designed to improve sanitation and reduce environmental contamination.
Mosque leaders say the design aligns with Islamic principles of cleanliness by ensuring proper waste disposal and minimizing health risks.
The facility is expected to improve convenience for worshippers during daily prayers, Friday Jumu’ah, Eid celebrations and other religious gatherings, where large numbers of people attend the mosque.
Ocaya Sebbi Muhamad, a mosque stakeholder, said the Muslim community would continue supporting initiatives by other religious denominations in appreciation of the cooperation shown during the construction.
Noor Mosque, established in 2000, serves thousands of worshippers in Paidha Town Council and surrounding communities.
Local leaders say the project also aligns with broader sanitation reforms being promoted in the district. The LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Town Council, Innocent Godfred Onega, noted that institutions are increasingly shifting to drainable toilet systems due to limited land.
He explained that repeated excavation of pit latrines consumes valuable space needed for expansion of schools and public facilities.
Meanwhile, William Okello, the Secretary for Works and Transport in Paidha Town Council, encouraged schools and institutions to adopt similar systems.
He said drainable toilets allow periodic emptying without digging new pits, making them more sustainable in densely populated areas.
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