Leaders in Agago District, with support from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), have launched a door-to-door hygiene and sanitation verification campaign across several sub-counties to address poor sanitation and prevent disease outbreaks.
The exercise, currently underway in Kuywee, Lirakato, Lokole, and Wol sub-counties, targets villages including Atut Arweny, Kidunga, Lapwa, Agwata Wil, Omukugungu, Lakwil, and Bar Obira Tekato.
Alfred Ocaya, a representative from Agago district water office, said the initiative was prompted by widespread gaps in household sanitation, such as incomplete latrines, lack of handwashing facilities, and poorly managed waste. “We have realized that many households still lack basic sanitation facilities, which poses serious health risks,” Ocaya said, adding that the campaign will also assess and reward homes with the best hygiene standards.
The drive is part of preparations for World Water Day celebrations scheduled for April 17, 2026, in Lamiyo Sub-county, Agago West Constituency. Agago District Health Inspector Samuel Okiror noted that latrine coverage in the district stands at 68 percent, while only 38 percent of households meet Open Defecation Free (ODF) standards.
“With the onset of rains, communities must prioritize digging latrines to avoid disease outbreaks. There is no justification for open defecation when people are settled and have the means,” Okiror said.
He urged residents to adopt proper sanitation practices, noting that preventable diseases continue to affect children due to poor hygiene. “It is embarrassing that we are still discussing open defecation instead of focusing on improving household incomes and agricultural production,” he added.
The campaign is being implemented under the Pii En Kwo (“Water is Life”) project, funded by Charity: Water and executed by LWF, which aims to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services in northern Uganda. Using the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, the project seeks to help targeted villages achieve ODF status before its conclusion in July 2026.
The verification exercise involves district officials, sub-county leaders, and community members to assess and officially declare villages that meet ODF standards. Residents have welcomed the initiative, saying it will improve health and livelihoods. Susan Acen, a resident of Atut Village, said the campaign would help communities focus on development.
“This program will help us fight preventable diseases and allow us to concentrate on income-generating activities,” she said. Jolly Odong Lotoo, LC1 Secretary of Atut Arweny Village in Kuywee Sub-county, said more sensitisation is needed because the majority of households still lack latrines. “Some people still go to the bush, but with continued sensitisation, we hope to see change,” Lotoo said.
Agago Deputy Resident District Commissioner Susan Moro Akot urged residents to take personal responsibility for hygiene rather than waiting for enforcement.
“Your personal hygiene is your first protection against disease. It is better to prevent illness than to walk long distances to health facilities,” Akot said. She also called on local leaders to continuously engage communities on sanitation practices. “Do not wait for inspections to clean your homes. Hygiene should be a daily practice,” she added.
