Baseline report reveals urgent WASH challenges in Uganda

JMP: Water at schools in Kabarole District

In the coming months, the project will first focus on completing a baseline survey to accurately map the starting situation of all schools and communities. These results form the foundation for the next step: the start of implementation at six schools and in twelve surrounding communities.

In parallel, all partners are working together on a comprehensive implementation plan, detailing how effective communication, fundraising for maintenance, and a strong learning agenda will be ensured throughout the project. This agenda will support all stakeholders in jointly improving the WASH facilities.

Results of the 3-star approach

While the JMP measures the availability of facilities, the 3-Star Approach looks at daily routines, school management and education.

Bunyangabu: 22% of schools achieve only 1 star for water, meaning students must bring water from home. School score even lower for sanitation: 100% remain at the lowest level, lacking adequate toilets or menstrual hygiene facilities. For hygiene, 56% of schools score only 1 star, with insufficient handwashing points and routines.

Kabarole: None of the schools achieve 3 stars for water. All schools (100%) remain at the lowest sanitation level, without menstrual hygiene facilities or accessibility for children with disabilities. For hygiene, 78% of schools receive just 1 star, due to lack of soap and insufficient handwashing stations.

WASH challenges and school absenteeism

The baseline assessment shows that WASH problems have a major impact on student attendance, particularly for girls.

In Bunyangabu, 42% of the 297 students surveyed missed school due to WASH-related illnesses such as diarrhoea and infections, amounting to 715 lost school days in just three months. In addition, 23% of girls stayed home because of the lack of menstrual hygiene facilities, resulting in another 193 school days missed.

In Kabarole, 19% of the 266 surveyed students reported missing school due to WASH-related illnesses, accounting for 195 lost school days. Only 3% of girls stayed home because of menstruation, but still 21% of all students missed at least one day due to WASH-related causes.

Missing plans for Maintenance

The baseline assessment also shows that none of the schools in either Bunyangabu or Kabarole have a financial maintenance plan in place for managing and maintaining their WASH facilities. As a result, 0% of the necessary funds are currently being generated to sustain these facilities over time.

The absence of such a plan poses a clear risk: without a system for collecting resources, such as small contributions, local donations or community support, schools cannot properly maintain their water points, toilets and hand washing stations. This undermines the sustainability of WASH facilities and leads to the deterioration of existing infrastructure.

The baseline report clearly shows that schools in Bunyangabu and Kabarole face significant WASH challenges. Although basic facilities are often present, the quality and reliability of water, sanitation and hygiene services fall far short, with major consequences for student health and attendance — especially for girls. Financial mechanisms to maintain these facilities are also lacking, leaving improvements fragile.

These insights highlight the need for targeted investments in safe drinking water, improved sanitation, menstrual hygiene and financial management. We look forward to seeing how, together with partners, communities and schools, the WASH, Learn & Share project will help improve these figures in the coming years.