Nkumba University has concluded a 10-day Rotary WASH Institute plumbers’ training, with nearly 100 technicians challenged to go back to their health centres and lead improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene services.
The Rotary WASH Institute (RoWASHi) brought together plumbers and health practitioners from 50 health facilities across Uganda for both practical and classroom training.
Participants were taken through wastewater and drainage management, infection prevention and control, water safety, and healthcare water systems skills deemed critical for keeping hospitals and health centres safe.
Closing the programme, Nkumba University Vice Chancellor and Project Lead, Prof. Jude Lubega, described the initiative as a timely intervention to address the shortage of technical expertise in maintaining WASH infrastructure in health facilities.
“We continue to face challenges in maintaining WASH systems because many health facilities lack adequately trained technicians. This programme was designed to equip participants with practical skills that will help them solve those challenges and improve service delivery,” Prof. Lubega said.
He urged trainees to become ambassadors of safe water and sanitation by applying what they learned and sharing it with colleagues.
He also thanked Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation, and other partners for supporting the programme, and recognised trainers and coordinators for their role.
Prof. Lubega reminded participants that the residential training was only phase one. They must now complete five online modules and post-training assessments before graduation set for October 24th. Trainers will also conduct follow-up visits to assess implementation at the facilities.
Mary Nagganda, President of the Rotary Club of Kajjansi, said the initiative came out of Rotary’s efforts to tackle persistent water and sanitation challenges in rural health centres.
“Improving access to clean water and proper sanitation is one of the most effective ways of preventing disease. We expect the participants to return to their communities and make a lasting impact by improving WASH services in their health centres,” she said.
For the beneficiaries, the training was hands-on and eye-opening.
Muhereza Chresostome, WASH technician from Kyamwasha Health Centre III in Ntungamo, called it transformative.
“The practical lessons and interaction with experts have equipped us with skills that will improve water and sanitation management at our facility and ultimately enhance patient care,” he said.
Hasina Baryamujura from Kyenzaza Health Centre III said sessions on water quality analysis, treatment and wastewater management broadened her understanding of areas often overlooked in healthcare.
Established in 2025, the Rotary WASH Institute at Nkumba University promotes sustainable solutions to water, sanitation and hygiene challenges across Africa.
The plumbers’ training programme is coordinated by the Rotary Club of Kajjansi with funding from the Rotary Foundation and support from Rotary clubs in Uganda and international partners.
