Uganda moves to honour its hidden clean water and sanitation heroes

This October, Uganda will ditch the glamour of celebrity galas for something far more meaningful: celebrating the quiet heroes behind clean water, proper sanitation, and healthier lives.

For the first time in the nation’s history, the WASH Impact and Influence awards will shine a spotlight on the unsung individuals and organisations who have been quietly transforming communities, often with little recognition, but immense impact.

These awards aren’t about applause; they are about acknowledging lives saved, futures secured, and dignity restored. As the country continues to battle unsafe water and inadequate sanitation, this event aims to fuel a nationwide movement, not just a moment of celebration.

With nominations now closed, the countdown is on to celebrate Uganda’s unsung champions of clean water, sanitation and hygiene. The evaluation team is reviewing submissions ahead of the inaugural WASH Impact and Influence awards, set for October 2–3 at Protea hotel.

Organisers are also calling for sponsorships and partnerships, urging interested parties to reach out via +256 752 500 312 / +256 781 876 372. For Martha Naigaga, a senior environmental health officer at the ministry of Water and Environment, the awards mark a turning point.

“I am delighted to welcome you to the WASH Impact and Influence awards 2025,” she said. “The process is already underway. Many of you have already taken part in the nomination process, pointing out individuals and organizations you believe deserve recognition. We are now at the stage where the evaluation team is reviewing the entries, leading up to the grand gala on October 3, when the winners will be announced.”

The awards, organised by the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET) in partnership with the ministries of Water and Environment, Health, and Education, were launched in late May with support from the Austrian Development Agency and other partners.

They are the first coordinated national effort to recognise excellence in WASH. The stakes are high. More than 30 million Ugandans still lack access to safe sanitation, while millions more draw water from unreliable or contaminated sources.

The consequences are stark—recurring disease outbreaks, high maternal and child mortality, and school absenteeism that keeps young people, especially girls, out of classrooms.

“These awards are not only about recognition. They are [also] about building momentum,” Naigaga said.

“I warmly invite you all to participate and to walk with us on this journey as we celebrate outstanding contributions to WASH in Uganda.”

The 2025 awards will span seven categories, from Youth-Led Initiatives and Technology and Innovation to Lifetime Achievement. Each winner’s work will be documented and shared as a case study, creating a library of practical, evidence-based solutions for others to adopt.

Charles Opolot, an events consultant with the HAP WASH Promotion Initiative, called the awards “a landmark moment,” adding: “Celebrating these champions is long overdue. Their dedication and creativity are changing lives in schools, health centres and communities across Uganda.”

Organisers have also issued a call for sponsorships and partnerships to ensure the event becomes a permanent fixture on Uganda’s WASH calendar. For now, anticipation is building toward the October gala at Protea hotel, where the winners will be unveiled. But for Naigaga, the deeper goal is to turn the spotlight into lasting action.

“This is not just about one night,” she said. “It’s about inspiring all of us to keep working toward a Uganda where safe water and sanitation are a reality for everyone.”