In a major stride towards improving sanitation, hygiene, and environmental conservation, the Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE), with support from Join For Water, has constructed EcoSan toilets and incinerators in several primary schools across Kitagwenda and Kamwenge districts.
The initiative, aims not only to enhance school sanitation and support pupils’ hygiene, particularly for girls during menstruation but also to protect water sources by promoting ecological waste management. EcoSan systems, which use little to no water, are ideal for areas facing water scarcity and significantly contribute to water conservation efforts.
Easy to clean and maintain
Speaking to Nile Post in an interview, some pupils, especially girls, expressed their satisfaction with the new facilities in place.
“We are happy with the EcoSan toilets, which have changing rooms where we can clean ourselves during our menstrual periods and incinerators where we can dispose of used pads. The toilets are easy to clean and maintain,” said Ednah Nabasa, a primary seven pupil at Rugarama Primary School.
Rhodah Arinaitwe, the Senior Woman Teacher at Bunoga Primary School in Busiriba Sub County, Kamwenge District, noted the difference the EcoSan toilets have made for girls.
“Before the construction of the EcoSan toilets, some of the girls used to go home to clean themselves due to a lack of privacy, which affected their studies. Now, with changing rooms available, the girls can stay in school and attend classes freely,” she noted.
She also shared that the previously available single latrine, used by over 300 girls, caused congestion.
“Now, with the new EcoSan toilets, there is no more congestion,” she stated.
At Rugarama COU Primary School in Kabambiro Sub County, Jackens Nuwamanya, the Deputy Head Teacher, emphasized the positive impact on sanitation: “The EcoSan toilets and the incinerator have greatly improved sanitation and waste disposal at our school. However, with enrolment now at 700 pupils, we appeal for more such facilities.”
Boys and girls no longer share latrines
In Kitagwenda District, Emmanuel Abigaba, Assistant Senior Man at Nyakacwamba Primary School in Ntara Sub County, praised the ecological benefits of the toilets.
“We use ash in the EcoSan toilets to decompose fecal matter, which we later use as manure in school gardens. It is easy to maintain hygiene because urine flows separately into a septic tank,” he explained.
Miriam Kabahenda, Head Teacher at Nyakacwamba Primary School, also commended JESE’s intervention.
“The EcoSan toilets have not only improved sanitation and hygiene but have also enhanced school infrastructure. Boys and girls no longer share latrines, which used to be a big challenge,” she stated.
According to Steven Mugabo Herbert, the Project Officer at JESE, sustainability is a key focus.
“After handing over the EcoSan toilets, we train pupils on their operation and maintenance by forming school clubs, ensuring that knowledge about water, sanitation, and hygiene is passed from one child to another,” he said. “We also engage school management committees to take responsibility for the facilities’ long-term sustainability.”
Enrolment and pupil performance have improved
David Asiimwe, Kamwenge District Inspector of Schools, acknowledged the transformative impact of the project.
“Before JESE’s intervention, inadequate sanitation facilities were affecting enrolment, retention, and completion rates in some schools. With the new structures in place, enrolment and pupil performance have improved,” he noted.
Highlighting the link between sanitation and water conservation, Calvin Musiime, Program Officer in Charge Water boards under the Protection and Equitable Use of Freshwater Resources Program at JESE, emphasized:
“EcoSan toilets promote sustainable sanitation, protect water resources, and ease pressure on wastewater infrastructure. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.”
Good management of water resources
Evarist Beyanga, Chairperson of the Water Board Committee for Busiriba Sub County, described how local water sources are being protected.
“Whenever a water source is constructed, a water user committee of three individuals is chosen to ensure its maintenance, with each household contributing an agreed amount for repairs,” he told the Nile Post in an interview.
Michael Byamukama, Assistant Kamwenge Water Officer, added: “With JESE’s support, the water department can now facilitate the formation of water board structures at the sub-county level, ensuring sustainable management of water resources.”
A sustainable sanitation solution
Looking to the future, Lawrence Tusiime, Project Manager Protection and Equitable Use of Fresh Water Resources Program at JESE, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment, noting:
“JESE hopes to extend these facilities to more schools but future construction depends on securing adequate funding and stakeholder collaboration to ensure sustainability and wider.”
EcoSan toilets represent a sustainable sanitation solution that treats human waste as a valuable resource for agriculture. Designed to minimize water use, they recover nutrients from urine and feces, contributing to environmental conservation and improved agricultural productivity.
JESE, a national Ugandan NGO operating since 1993, continues to empower smallholder farming and natural resource-dependent communities.
Over the years, JESE has championed equitable access to water, sanitation, and natural resources, working closely with Join For Water and local authorities to promote sustainable development across the Rwenzori region and beyond.
Author: Ivan Mugisha