KAMPALA — The Ministry of Education and Sports, in partnership with VIVA con Agua Uganda, has successfully validated a new set of Universal Language for Change Manuals and Facilitator’s Guides, marking a major milestone in the drive to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices in Ugandan schools.
The high-level stakeholders’ validation workshop drew representatives from key government ministries, development partners, and frontline educators. The team conducted a comprehensive review of the new training materials ahead of their national rollout.
Driving behavioral change
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, George Aribo, the Chief Executive Officer of VIVA con Agua Uganda, commended the Ministry of Education and Sports for taking the lead in championing the initiative.
“This initiative would not have been possible without the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Sports and the commitment of our partners,” Aribo said. “Together, we are laying a strong foundation for positive behavioural change among learners and communities.”
Musa Birungi, representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, echoed these sentiments, thanking development partners and teachers for their ongoing collaboration in advancing school-based WASH programmes.
Birungi emphasized that strong strategic partnerships remain vital to ensuring learners have access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene education—all of which are directly linked to better learning outcomes and healthier school environments.
Call for synergy, focus on refugee host communities
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), represented by Chief Guest Ms. Babiringa Ekinya Christine, urged government institutions to break down silos and work more cohesively.
She challenged the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Water and Environment to deepen their collaboration to deliver seamless, integrated WASH interventions.
“Development partners must sustain their support to government programmes, particularly in refugee settlement areas where access to quality WASH services remains essential for the health, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable populations.” — Ms. Babiringa Ekinya Christine, Office of the Prime Minister
Looking ahead
The successful validation of the manuals underscores a renewed commitment from both the government and civil society to equip teachers with practical, creative tools.
Moving forward, the initiative aims to trigger lasting behavioral change, eradicate hygiene-related challenges in schools, and foster dignity and wellness for children across Uganda.
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