In a Corporate Social Responsivity drive to support disadvantaged community Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Water for People have joined forces to build modern toilet facilities at two primary schools, dramatically improving conditions for hundreds of pupils.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) sponsors toilet facilities s part of its humanitarian efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation which are vital for preventing disease and promoting nutrition . By providing these facilities, the church aims to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for communities in need
The new sanitation blocks, worth shs 270 million were officially opened at Bishop East Primary School and Nyenje Church of Uganda Primary School in Mukono District.
The facilities include special toilets for boys and girls, handwashing stations and most importantly private washrooms and incinerators to help girls manage their periods with dignity.
“Christianity isn’t just about preaching – it’s about showing love through action,” said Rev. Canon Godfrey Ssegendo during the handover ceremony.
The Mukono Cathedral leader praised the project for addressing one of the most persistent barriers to education in Uganda: lack of proper toilets and washing facilities.
Fredrick Kyambadde and official from Latter-Day Saints said the church has been involved in similar projects across Uganda, but this marks their first major partnership with Water for People in the country.
”The impact on students’ lives could be transformative. At many Ugandan schools, broken or nonexistent toilets force children to relieve themselves in bushes, exposing them to disease and danger. Girls often miss school during their periods when there are no private facilities to change sanitary pads,”he explained.
The new buildings at these Mukono schools include special incinerators for safe disposal of menstrual products – a simple solution that could keep dozens of girls in class throughout the month.
Mukono Resident District Commissioner Rhoda Titwe Kagaga urged school administrators to improve their sanitation services to retain students at schools
“No child should miss school because of something as basic as a toilet.”
Education experts say poor sanitation remains one of Uganda’s biggest obstacles to keeping children – especially girls – in school. Nationwide, about 23% of schools lack adequate toilets, according to government data.
Poor sanitation directly impacts education in Uganda, contributing to absenteeism ,lower academic performance and increased drop out rares especially among girls. Lack of proper sanitation facilities leads to increased health risks, including diarrhea, infections, and other illnesses, which cause students to miss school. This absenteeism disrupts learning, affects academic progress, and can have long-term consequences on educational outcomes
As of June 2018, the national safe water coverage in rural areas was estimated at 70%. There was no change in coverage from that of June 2017. Out of the 57,974 rural villages in Uganda, 38,183 (66%) of the villages had valid water sources as of June 2018. The functionality for rural water supplies is at 85%