Exchanging views The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, met officials from the non-governmental organisation Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET), which works on water and sanitation issues, and urged them to establish a formal partnership with the Buganda Kingdom to promote sanitation. Katikkiro in a group photo with UWASNET leaders UWASNET leaders, while at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters (Embuga), presented the partnerships they have with Kingdom institutions, including BBS Terefayina and REXBA. They also unveiled a campaign aimed at expanding access to clean water and improving public health in markets across the Kingdom, starting with Kibuye and Nakulabye markets. During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, emphasised the importance of access to clean water and commended UWASNET for introducing what he described as a strong initiative that can significantly improve sanitation among the people of Buganda, especially market vendors. He urged them to establish a formal partnership with the Buganda Kingdom if they wish to strengthen the impact of their work. “Although you already have partnerships with REXBA and BBS, it is important to add a formal partnership with the Kingdom if UWASNET is to gain stronger support, because the Kingdom has long been involved in promoting community development and environmental protection,” Katikkiro Mayiga said. The Katikkiro delivering his message “Water is the most valuable resource God gave us, and sanitation is the foundation of good health and long life. When water is insufficient or not clean, it leads to disease because people cannot wash their hands, clean food, or maintain proper hygiene. That is why I am calling upon the Government to expand access to clean water across the country,” Katikkiro Mayiga said. He also urged that people working in markets be encouraged to use gloves to help reduce the spread of hygiene-related diseases. He noted that treating such illnesses often costs far more than the cost of buying gloves. The Minister for Community Development, Environment, Water and Population, Owek. Hajjat Mariam Mayanja Nkalubo, said they are ready to work closely with UWASNET to ensure that agreed activities within the Buganda Kingdom are effectively implemented. She added that they are prepared to sign a memorandum of understanding with the organisation. UWASNET Executive Director, Unia Musaazi, said the decision to launch the clean water and sanitation campaign in markets was driven by the fact that markets are often neglected despite hosting large numbers of people. He warned that if markets continue to operate without clean water and proper hygiene, disease outbreaks will increase. UWASNET has served Ugandans for 25 years and currently works with about 50 institutions within the Buganda Kingdom.
Katikkiro warns of the shortage of clean water in the country
