KISORO UGANDA: The Rotary Club of Mbarara, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Tulare in the United States of America and the Rotary Club of Mgahinga Kisoro, is nearing completion of a transformative Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project valued at over UGX 400 million, aimed at improving sanitation and public health in schools and the wider community of Rubuguri Town Council, Kisoro District.
Progress of the project was highlighted during a
Saturday compliance assessment visit by members of the Rotary Club of Mbarara, accompanied by the Rotary Club of Mgahinga.
Speaking during the visit, Rev. Fr. Nestori Niwagaba, Parish Priest of Rubuguri Catholic Parish, expressed profound gratitude for what he described as transformative sanitary improvements in local learning institutions. He noted that schools in Rubuguri are the first in Kisoro District to receive sanitary pad incinerators, made possible through Rotarys support.
Fr. Niwagaba emphasized that the newly constructed toilets, water harvesting tanks, and other facilities will benefit the entire community regardless of religious affiliation.
Launched on August 23, 2025, at St. Kizito Rubuguri Primary School, the project is being implemented at St. Joseph Rubuguri Vocational Secondary School, St. Peters Primary School Rubuguri, Iryaruvumba Secondary and Primary School, Gashaka Primary School, and Gisharu Primary School.
Each beneficiary school will receive two-stance latrines, water harvesting tanks, and sanitary pad incinerators.
Additionally, a water-flush latrine is under construction at Rubuguri Catholic Parish in recognition of the churchs vital role in promoting education and health.
Contractor Turinimana Julius of Forward Investment Limited reported that construction is over 90 percent complete and pledged to finish the remaining work within the stipulated timeframe.
Rtn Dr. Kumbakumba Elias, Director of Service Projects for the Rotary Club of Mbarara, commended the contractor for the quality of work but called for the correction of minor identified defects before the official handover. He also urged stakeholders to intensify community sensitization on the prevention of waterborne diseases and the promotion of menstrual hygiene, with plans to officially hand over the project by late April or early May.
Rtn Dr. Peace Mbabazi, President Nominee of the Rotary Club of Mbarara, called on stakeholders to work together in maintaining the facilities to ensure long-term sustainability.
Learners from the beneficiary institutions expressed joy and appreciation, noting that the sanitary pad incinerators will greatly improve hygiene and reduce the risk of disease.
Rotarian Ismail Mitooma reaffirmed the club’s commitment to community development in partnership with government, highlighting Rotary’s seven areas of focus: environment, education, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, disease prevention, conflict resolution, and community development.
The project, initially inspired by contributions from American well-wishers Ronald and Sandra Smith, marks a significant milestone in advancing education and public health in communities near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
