Kamuli, Uganda: Children in Kamuli District have called on the government to prioritize access to clean water, safe sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities in schools, warning that Uganda’s Vision 2040 cannot be achieved if learners, especially girls, continue to study in schools without adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.
The appeal was made during a Children’s Parliamentary Session held on Wednesday, July 29, at Maxwell Kuwembula Hall as the district prepared to commemorate the National Day of the African Child on July 30 at Nawansaso Primary School.
Held under the theme, “Uganda cannot achieve Vision 2040 without every child having access to clean water, safe toilets, and good hygiene,” the session brought together pupils from schools across Kamuli District to present their concerns and recommendations to district leaders and development partners.
The children’s parliament focused on the need to improve access to safe water, school sanitation facilities, changing rooms for girls and menstrual hygiene management to reduce absenteeism and school dropout rates.
Chairing the session as Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Shakira Tibalwa, a pupil of Butabala Primary School, said inadequate hygiene facilities continue to affect girls’ education.
“The government has the responsibility to promote hygiene standards within communities and schools to support girls in remaining in school. We have consistently urged the government to address the challenges associated with our prolonged stay in school, which is vital for achieving our objectives, including the establishment of changing rooms. However, our appeals have been unsuccessful. We kindly request assistance in this matter,” Shakira said.
Another pupil, Matovu Kalvin of Sonrise Junior School, urged government to construct changing rooms for girls and ensure schools receive sanitary pads to enable learners to complete their education without interruption.
Development partners pledge continued support
Plan International Uganda Programmes Officer for the Kamuli Programme Area, Bridget Namataba, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving children’s welfare through investments in water, sanitation and menstrual hygiene.
“As development partners, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to clean water, that girls receive changing facilities at school, and that sanitary pads are provided to help them remain in school,” Namataba said.
She noted that improving WASH services is critical not only for education but also for children’s health, dignity and overall wellbeing.
Responding to the children’s concerns, Kamuli District Speaker Betty Mutesi assured participants that the district leadership would advocate for improved WASH facilities in schools.
“As leaders we will make sure that we support the children’s request. We have heard you on water, toilets and changing rooms, and we shall push these issues with government and partners so that no girl drops out of school because of poor hygiene,” Mutesi said.
District officials acknowledged that inadequate access to safe water and sanitation remains one of the major causes of school absenteeism, particularly among adolescent girls.
They observed that improving school hygiene infrastructure would contribute significantly to better learning outcomes, improved health and higher school retention.
The district is expected to commemorate the National Day of the African Child on Wednesday at Nawansaso Primary School, with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga expected to officiate as Chief Guest.
Leaders expressed optimism that the event will provide an opportunity to highlight children’s concerns and mobilize greater investment in WASH infrastructure across schools in Kamuli District.
Plan International Uganda, the District Education Department and other partners also plan to distribute hygiene materials and conduct community sensitisation campaigns on handwashing, safe water storage and menstrual hygiene management.
Children pass resolution on WASH
At the conclusion of the session, the Children’s Parliament of Kamuli District unanimously adopted a resolution calling upon government, development partners, schools, parents and communities to work together to ensure that every child has access to clean water, safe toilets and proper hygiene facilities.
The resolution emphasized that achieving Uganda’s Vision 2040 requires creating safe and inclusive learning environments where children can study with dignity.
Closing the session, Speaker Shakira Tibalwa urged fellow learners to practice good hygiene while appealing to leaders to translate the children’s recommendations into action.
“All your ideas will be put into consideration. Members present have heard your views and will work on them. Safe water and hygiene are good for us all. They keep us in school and healthy. As children, we should start practicing washing hands, not littering, and keeping our spaces clean,” he concluded.
Uganda commemorates the Day of the African Child annually in July to enable participation by schools, although the continental observance falls on June 16. The day commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, where thousands of schoolchildren protested against the poor quality of education and demanded equal access to learning. It also serves as a platform to advocate for children’s rights and improved access to education, health and protection across Africa.
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