22% of households in Masindi still practice open defecation
“We are leaving no stone unturned. We are going to arrest whoever has no latrine because most diseases are caused due to lack of latrines,” he said.
Masindi: New statistics from the Masindi District Health Department reveal that 22.7% of households lack pit latrines and continue to practice open defecation in bushes and plantations posing significant public health risks.
This was revealed on Wednesday by Ms. Winfred Namuswe, the District Health Inspector, during the climax of the 2025 Sanitation Week held at Rwempisi Primary School in Nyantonzi Sub County, Bujenje County, Masindi District.
According to Namuswe, latrine coverage in the district currently stands at 77.3%, handwashing facility coverage is at 22.8%, and only 70% of households use safe water sources.
Nyantonzi Sub County lags behind with just 68.3% latrine coverage, meaning 31.7% of households there still lack proper sanitation.
To combat the issue, Ms. Namuswe urged residents to prioritize building durable sanitation facilities. “Save money and construct permanent sanitary facilities for longevity,” she advised.
Mr. Patrick Baguma, the Acting District Health Officer in Charge of Environment, issued a six-week ultimatum to households without latrines, warning that they must improvise or face legal action.
Echoing the urgency, Mr. Sunday Eyotu, LC3 Chairperson of Nyantonzi Sub County, expressed frustration over the situation and announced a strict enforcement campaign beginning 1st June 2025:
“We are leaving no stone unturned. We are going to arrest whoever has no latrine because most diseases are caused due to lack of latrines,” he said.
This year’s Sanitation Week was held under the theme: “Sanitation for Dignity and Inclusiveness.” The annual campaign targets improving hygiene in the district’s poorest-performing and underserved areas.
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