national 7 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Tooro Kingdom Joins Forces with CSOs to Combat WASH Funding Crisis
Tooro Kingdom is partnering with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to address a critical funding shortfall in Uganda's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I is leveraging cultural structures to promote behavior change and protect natural resources amidst declining donor support. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/funding-crisis-threats-wash-progress-in-uganda-as-tooro-kingdom-partners-csos-for-mindset-change-5623772
Uganda’s progress in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) is under threat due to a significant decline in funding for sector interventions. In response, the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has announced a strategic partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to mobilize communities and ensure the sustainability of vital WASH programs.
Speaking at the 16th annual WASH CSOs Forum in Fort Portal, King Nyabongo emphasized the power of traditional and cultural structures in driving community engagement. “The kingdom’s cultural structures are powerful tools for community mobilisation,” he stated, pledging to utilize these channels to encourage better hygiene practices and the protection of natural resources.
This commitment was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding between Tooro Kingdom and the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET). The partnership aims to tackle persistent challenges related to household behavior and promote climate-resilient practices. The King highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental health and livelihoods, warning that degradation of natural assets like River Mpanga and the Rwenzori Mountains jeopardizes tourism and the community’s well-being.
The WASH sector faces a stark funding reality, with total investment dropping from Shs67.8 billion in 2023/24 to Shs45.6 billion in 2025/26. While water supply funding saw a decrease, the construction of water points surged, placing a strain on resources. Sanitation infrastructure has been particularly hard-hit, with sector investment plummeting from Shs35.1 billion to Shs12.9 billion over a similar period, leading to a sharp fall in the number of constructed facilities.
Despite these financial headwinds, CSOs invested over Shs73 billion in the previous financial year. Progress in key health indicators shows mixed results, with a slight decline in open defecation but an increase in rural handwashing access, though still below national targets. UWASNET’s Executive Director, Yunia Musaazi, views the cultural partnership as a crucial pathway to driving the necessary mindset shifts for sustainable WASH improvements.
This collaboration positions the King as an ambassador for WASH, aiming to foster a behavioral change essential for long-term success in the sector. The partnership underscores the critical role of cultural institutions in complementing government and CSO efforts to achieve Uganda’s WASH goals.
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