Urgent action needed to address water access and sanitation challenges in Uganda

On September 1, the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution titled "Advancing the Follow-up to the United Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the International Decade for Action, Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028," which had collaborative input from Tajikistan, the Netherlands, and Senegal.
This proposal originally came from Tajikistan's President, Emomali Rahmon, during the UN Water Conference held in New York from March 22 to 24.

The resolution underscores the significance of bolstering global cooperation across various levels to carry out the objectives and aims concerning water and sanitation outlined in the 2030 Agenda, with particular attention to the needs of developing nations.
Additionally, this resolution mandates the convening of the UN Water Conference in Tajikistan in 2028 and the UN Water Conference for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in 2026.

The United Nations General Assembly has called upon the Secretary-General to formulate a comprehensive United Nations system-wide strategy for water and sanitation in consultation with Member States before the conclusion of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly.
Following the decision, Uganda's ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, Mr Adonia Ayebare tweeted:  “Today the UN adopted a historical Water resolution in 47 years ahead of the 2023 Water Conference. Uganda actively participated in the negotiations. Access to clean water is a human right and critical in the implementation of Sustainable development goals.”

On the ground
Uganda's breathtaking landscapes often overshadow a stark reality faced by a significant portion of its population: the daily struggle to access clean and safe water. In the shadows of this crisis lies an unexpected connection – the link between water scarcity, sanitation, and the clandestine world of sludge. 
 
Despite its lush greenery and abundant water bodies, Uganda faces a daunting water access challenge. The United Nations reports that out of a population of more than 45 million people, 38 million people (83% of the population) lack access to a reliable, safely managed source of water, and 7 million people (17%) lack access to improved sanitation solutions. For many, this means embarking on long, grueling journeys to distant water sources, often leaving them vulnerable to waterborne diseases and compromising their dignity.
Uganda has experienced two decades of economic growth, leading to large population movements from rural areas to informal settlements around urban centers. High population growth stresses the water and sanitation services that exist.

Further, urban people living in poverty pay as much as 22 percent of their income to access water from water vendors. Spending such a high percentage of earnings on water reduces overall household income, limiting opportunities to build savings and break the cycle of poverty. Many families living in rural areas spend more than 30 minutes walking to collect the water their families need, taking time away from work and school.

This dire situation fosters the spread of diseases like cholera and dysentery, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and ill health in many communities.
In areas without proper sanitation facilities, pit latrines are commonly used. However, these latrines fill up quickly, and their contents are often discharged into the environment without proper treatment, posing environmental and health risks. The improper disposal of sludge contaminates water sources, exacerbating the water crisis and further compromising public health. Uganda also lacks sufficient treatment facilities for managing sludge, making it challenging to address the growing sanitation problem effectively.

The sinister link
In recent years, a surprising connection has emerged between Uganda's water access crisis and the clandestine world of sludge. "Sludge" here refers to the improper disposal of waste, often involving untreated human waste and sewage.
In regions plagued by water scarcity, proper sanitation facilities are often scarce, leading to open defecation and the contamination of water sources. This unsanitary practice contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases and pollutes rivers and lakes, causing long-term damage to both the environment and public health.

Recognising the severity of the water access crisis, the Ugandan government has initiated projects aimed at expanding clean water access and improving sanitation conditions. These initiatives include borehole drilling, sanitation awareness programs, and efforts to construct modern facilities.
Uganda is determined to achieve this objective by making substantial investments in high-quality water infrastructure. This effort encompasses the restoration and upkeep of clean water sources, as well as the promotion of good hygiene practices and the development of sanitation facilities.
Local communities undergo training programs focused on the installation, maintenance, and operation of borehole pumps. This training ensures that water sources are adequately cared for, guaranteeing a consistent supply of safe and clean water.
 
In addition to these efforts, various initiatives are actively addressing Uganda's water crisis. One such initiative is led by WaterCredit, a microfinance organization committed to advancing water and sanitation in developing nations. To tackle related issues, WaterCredit has allocated approximately $13 million in loans.
Another notable initiative is the Uganda Women's Water Initiative, which converts contaminated water into potable water. This program provides training to women, enabling them to construct rainwater harvesting tanks and bio-sand filters. The bio-sand filter is a straightforward system consisting of layers of rock, sand, and gravel, which effectively removes 99% of bacteria from water.

However, these efforts are not without their challenges. Limited funding, insufficient infrastructure, and the continued threat of sludge contamination impede progress. The government faces the daunting task of addressing both the immediate water access issue and the root causes of sanitation problems, including the mishandling of sludge.

Uganda's quest to ensure equitable water access, improved sanitation, and the eradication of sludge-related problems is multifaceted. It demands a concerted effort from government agencies, international organizations, and local communities.
Experts and advocates emphasize the importance of comprehensive solutions that encompass clean water access, sanitation infrastructure, and waste management. Sustainable practices, education, and community involvement are all essential components of this endeavor.

The impact of the water crisis is more severe on rural communities compared to their urban counterparts. Individuals in impoverished urban settings, in particular, allocate a significant portion of their income, up to 22%, to purchase water from vendors. Such substantial expenditures on water substantially diminish overall household income, thereby restricting the potential to accumulate savings and break free from the cycle of poverty.
Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water in rural regions remains a formidable challenge, necessitating collaborative efforts from a diverse range of stakeholders. These collective endeavors are crucial for alleviating the suffering of individuals at risk of contracting waterborne diseases due to inadequate access to clean water.

"Access to water is much more than a necessity – it's a fundamental right that shapes the life and future of every individual. In this World Water Week, let's remember that thousands of lives depend on our commitment to providing quality water and sanitation resources for all,” says Sylvain Usher, Executive Director, the African Water and Sanitation Association.
 
He adds: “As the African Water and Sanitation Association, we understand the importance of influencing water and sanitation policy changes to create sustainable change. Furthermore, our dedication to enhancing the capacities of local communities showcases our determination to build a future where every community thrives through sustainable practices”.  

Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of Ugandans grapple with the harsh reality of water scarcity.
This crisis not only impacts basic hygiene and public health but also exacerbates the sanitation challenge and complicates the management of sludge. To address these pressing issues, Uganda must invest in improved infrastructure, sustainable water management, and comprehensive sanitation solutions. Only through concerted efforts can the nation provide its citizens with the essential elements needed for a healthy and prosperous future.

As Uganda confronts these pressing challenges, it stands at a crucial crossroads. The nation's bountiful natural resources must be protected, and its citizens deserve access to clean water and a healthier future. To forge ahead, Uganda must bridge the gap between the necessities of hygiene, sanitation, and the lingering specter of sludge.