Impact of inadequate domestic water supply on sanitation and hygiene (Uganda)

This research assessed the impact of inadequate domestic water supply on sanitation and hygiene in peri-urban areas of Uganda, case of Wakiso Town Council (WTC). The investigation was done in three cells of WTC. Cases of WASH- related diseases were abstracted from the health management information system registers from Wakiso Health Centre IV. Questionnaires and checklists were used to collect quantitative data on WASH aspects. A total of 123 respondents were reached in the household surveys. The gender composition was 36% male and 64% female. Households draw water from different sources as; boreholes, shallow wells, and springs, but predominantly from taps. 76% of the households use unlined pit latrines. From the results, 60% of the households had never emptied their toilets. 69% of the households had benefited from some form of hygiene training. Regarding water-related ailments across the surveyed villages, gastroenteritis emerged as the most prevalent which peaked in May. The study highlights the urgent need to improve water infrastructure, especially in areas with access and affordability challenges. The high reliance on pit latrines underscores a consistent pattern in the sanitation landscape. Hygiene training remains vital in raising awareness and enhancing WASH practices, potentially reducing water-related diseases.