Sanitation Crisis Deepens on Jinja's Kisiima Island as Last Toilet Cracks

Residents on Kisiima Island in Jinja Southern Division are grappling with a severe sanitation emergency. The island’s only functional pit latrine has developed dangerous cracks, heightening fears of collapse and posing risks especially to children.

Primarily home to fishing families, the community once had two communal toilets, but one was abandoned after sinking. Now, overcrowding and poor maintenance have worsened the remaining facility, which can barely serve two or three people at a time.

Many islanders have turned to open defecation along Lake Victoria shores or using plastic bags discarded into the water, sparking concerns over disease outbreaks and pollution, particularly during rainy seasons.

LC I Chairperson Watmon Okidi highlighted the dangers of the wide cracks and called on landlords to build private latrines for tenants. He also noted misuse and lack of cleanliness as aggravating factors, pushing for repairs and a secure manhole cover.

Village Publicity Secretary Moses Maka blamed reluctant landlords, while Health Inspector Franco Mugweri confirmed the toilets’ dire state. His team is sensitizing residents on hygiene and lobbying to end open defecation.

This story is based on a report from the Daily Monitor.