KAMPALA – The Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET) has launched the Uganda WASH Impact and Influence Awards to honor outstanding achievements in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. The awards were inaugurated at the 14th Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Annual WASH Forum, held at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala.
Alfred Okidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, noted that the awards symbolize excellence, innovation, and impact in the WASH sector. “The awards aim to inspire even greater achievements and foster a spirit of healthy competition and continuous improvement across the sector,” he said.
Okidi stated that this initiative will celebrate individuals and organizations that have excelled in promoting the WASH program. “Through such initiatives, we celebrate the tremendous efforts and achievements made by various organizations and individuals who have sacrificed their time and gone beyond delivering normal WASH services,” he added.
Okidi encouraged all sectors and players to view these awards as both recognition and a call to action to scale up their efforts. He emphasized the inclusion of a special category for youth-led innovations, particularly in educational institutions. “The youth, our largest constituency, should be considered, especially those involved with WASH in our educational institutions,” he said.
Okidi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborative efforts with stakeholders. “Achieving universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services requires sustained partnership, political will, and adequate resource allocation. I am confident we will succeed,” he said.
The Uganda WASH Impact and Influence Awards comprise five categories: Policy Influence, Research and Innovation, Youth, Academia, and Media, including a posthumous award. The inaugural ceremony will take place in June, with nominations opening in October.
Yunia Musazi, UWASNET’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating outstanding work in the WASH sector. “We hope everyone will unite to recognize the good work, innovations, and contributions, whether research, technology, or impact, from civil society, academia, the private sector, and government,” she said.
Martin Kityo, UWASNET’s Liaison Connection Manager, announced regional launches and a phased awarding process. “A panel of judges will scrutinize submissions, and we will award deserving individuals and organizations,” he said.
Kityo outlined the awarding process. “The awards will be celebrated annually, starting in June 2025. The process begins this month and will be implemented in phases. We will have a call for nominations, specialization processes, vetting, and the awarding process.”
Rural areas face significant WASH challenges, with only 67% of the population having access to clean water and sanitation. The Ministry of Water and Sanitation attributes this decrease from 69% to the rapidly growing population.