KAMPALA; Kampala has made notable strides in improving sanitation over the past five years, embracing a Citywide Inclusive Sanitation approach to ensure all residents, especially those in informal settlements have access to safe and sustainable services. Achievements include an increase in fecal sludge management coverage from 32% in 2020 to around 70% in 2025, major upgrades to treatment plants like Nakivubo and Nalukolongo, and the introduction of modern public toilets through public-private partnerships. Yet, despite these gains, significant hurdles remain.
Only about 15% of Kampala’s population is connected to the central sewer system, leaving the vast majority dependent on pit latrines and septic tanks, many of which are poorly constructed and prone to overflow during heavy rains. Even with improved fecal sludge management services, only 44% of fecal sludge is safely collected and treated, while the rest is illegally dumped into drains, wetlands, or open areas. This mismanagement contributes to waterborne diseases, groundwater contamination, and environmental degradation, costing Uganda an estimated 3% of its GDP annually in health and economic losses.
Wastewater treatment remains a critical challenge. Although the Nakivubo Wastewater Treatment Plant has the capacity to handle 45 million liters per day, it currently treats only about 35% of that volume.
Most of Kampala’s residents rely on onsite sanitation systems, and during the rainy season, some of these systems are deliberately opened, allowing raw sewage to flow into stormwater drains. This untreated wastewater eventually reaches wetlands and Lake Victoria, worsening pollution levels and posing serious public health hazards.
Addressing these challenges requires a mix of short-term interventions and long-term infrastructure investments. Immediate actions include expanding faecal sludge management services, regulating private emptiers to curb illegal dumping, and improving public sanitation facilities. Community-led initiatives like Weyonje have already shown success in promoting hygiene and behavioral change, but scaling these efforts is crucial.
National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) are driving key initiatives, from upgrading treatment plants to digitizing pit-emptying services. KCCA’s CWIS program and modern public toilet projects aim to reach underserved populations, while NWSC’s focus on biogas and resource recovery offers sustainable waste management solutions.
But progress isn’t just the responsibility of institutions. Residents play a pivotal role by using licensed emptying services, connecting to nearby sewer systems, maintaining household sanitation facilities, participating in clean-up drives, and advocating for better services. Simple actions, like proper waste disposal and handwashing, can significantly reduce health risks.
Kampala’s sanitation trajectory is promising, but the road ahead demands collaboration. Policymakers must prioritize funding and regulation, while citizens must embrace their role in maintaining a cleaner city. With continued effort, Kampala can transform its sanitation systems ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
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