KIU, Western Campus - On 22nd March, 2023, the ALL4WASH project team marked the World Water Day 2023 at the KIU western campus, which was held in the Post-Graduate Block. 

The day was celebrated under the theme, “Individual actions toward accelerated inclusive Water and Sanitation for global changes.” The event attracted more than 50 participants.

Dr Zubeda Ukundimana, the ALL4WASH project coordinator in her opening remarks, reminded attendees about the importance of the day, and real need for individual actions toward water resources conservation, protection, and to support Uganda’s government in its aim to achieve SDG6, making sure every Ugandans have access to clean water and improved sanitation by 2030.

Dr Yakubu Bot, who represented the DVC KIU Western Campus, thanked the ALL4WASH project team, which organized the event, because water is really an important yet scarce and vulnerable resource. 

He encouraged staff from other schools, to write grant proposals and partner with the international community for inclusive development.

A panel discussion around the issue of inclusive water and sanitation was held by three panelists, including Andrew Ninsiima, District Officer of water for Bushenyi, Dr Zubeda Ukundimana, the KIU ALL4WASH Coordinator, and Dr Tamale Andrew from the Department of Public Health at the School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS) at KIU Western Campus.

During the panel discussion, Ninsiima gave an overview of what the government is doing to increase access to clean water with the communities in the district. 

He also highlighted the major challenges they face, which include inactive user communities in areas where the government has intervened by providing water facilities and low budget as a result of economic crisis.

In celebration of world water day, a community outreach was organized and project team members and students went to sensitise the sellers in Basajjabala market in Ishaka.

The aim was to create awareness about the importance of WASH and promote behaviour change. Pamphlets written in both English and Runyankore containing information about the kind of individual actions that one can take, to contribute to solving of the water and sanitation crisis were distributed. 

Sanitation equipment such as brooms and dust bins were also distributed to the market sellers.