Turning the Tide: 6 Years of Restoring Health and Dignity through Sanitation in Uganda’s Rwenzori Region.

For the past six years, the FINISH Mondial program has sparked meaningful change in Uganda, especially across the districts of Kabarole, Bunyangabu, Kamwenge, and Kyenjojo. Driven by a vision grounded in dignity, health, and sustainability, the programme has taken on one of the country’s most urgent public health challenges, ensuring access to safe and lasting sanitation. What began as a determined effort has grown into a source of real hope and progress for communities long underserved, proving that with the right support, every household we have engaged has moved toward a healthier, more dignified future.

At its core, FINISH Mondial (Financial Inclusion Improves Sanitation and Health) brought a revolutionary approach to Uganda’s rural communities, one that blends finance, entrepreneurship, and government collaboration. The goal was clear: eliminate open defecation and ensure that every household has access to a properly constructed, non-contaminating toilet.

“We are now at 94% toilet coverage, however, more collective action is needed to address the remaining 6% to achieve the district’s goal of 100% toilet coverage. We have seen a transformation in communities, people moving away from open defecation to putting up sustainable sanitation facilities. We have declared 6 villages Open Defecation Free (ODF) so far.” Said Hon. Rwabuhinga Richard, Chairperson LC V for Kabarole District

Through its unique market-based model, the programme empowered local entrepreneurs and masons to take ownership of the sanitation value chain. These artisans received training and mentorship to construct high-quality, affordable toilets tailored to the needs of their communities, including vulnerable groups like people with disabilities and child-headed households.

At just 23, Tweheyo Naome turned bricks into a tool for change, building over 80 toilets and training 40+ women in her community.

“Bricklaying allows women to earn an income. That brings independence,” she says. “People no longer suffer from cholera and typhoid, sanitation has changed lives.” Naome added.

Her hands build more than toilets; they build dignity and hope.

By partnering with financial institutions, local government, NGOs, and international organizations, FINISH Mondial made sanitation accessible and profitable. Community members were not just recipients of sanitation services, they became active participants in a circular economy. With over UGX 3.094 billion in the sanitation loan portfolio, local economies saw tangible growth as people engaged in sanitation-related businesses.

“We reach out to people door-to-door. We cluster surrounding households so they can support each other to build improved toilets.” Tumusiime Patience, Sanitation Monitor, Bunyangabu district

One of the programme’s most powerful achievements lies in its undeniable impact on public health. Thousands of households now have access to safe, reliable sanitation—leading to a dramatic drop in cases of cholera, typhoid, and other preventable diseases. The move from unsafe, makeshift latrines to durable, eco-friendly toilets hasn’t just improved lives—it has safeguarded entire communities.

“We have seen people moving away from latrines that are more or less temporary to very permanent latrines.” Teo Namata, Project Manager, FINISH Mondial

Perhaps most remarkably, the programme did not operate in isolation. It aligned closely with Uganda’s national development goals, namely, Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure no one is left behind in the quest for universal sanitation coverage.

“Our aim is to achieve sanitation for all by 2030.” Pamela Kabasinguzi, Country Coordinator FINISH Mondial

After six years of dedicated implementation, the FINISH Mondial programme in Uganda is drawing to a close, but its impact will endure. The programme has not only improved thousands of lives but also strengthened the systems needed to sustain that progress. As the programme transitions, Amref will officially hand over its responsibilities to the district local governments and partners whose capacities have been intentionally built, equipped, and empowered throughout the journey.

These districts are now ready to take charge, having been prepared to sustain and scale up the progress made. With a significant reduction in water- and sanitation-related diseases, and a solid foundation of trained artisans, health promoters, and financing models, the programme has demonstrated that sustainable sanitation is achievable when communities are at the center.

The call now is clear: sustain the momentum, own the solutions, and take the vision of 100% sanitation coverage forward. The baton has been passed—now it is time for districts to lead.

Impact Highlights:

• Increase in latrine coverage
• Safe toilet in use
• Fewer illness-related school absences
• Cleaner, safer home environments
• Improved handwashing practices
• Declaration of 50 communities as Open Defecation Free (ODF).
• Training of over 500 local masons in safely managed latrine construction

Amref Health Africa

Amref Health Africa teams up with African communities to create lasting health change.