Speakers for Africa | Sanitation | Pit Latrine Project

Introduction

Hon. Wilson Kajwenje, a Member of the Uganda Parliament, has called on Speakers for Africa to address a pressing sanitation crisis at Rwakobo Primary School in Mbarara district. With collapsed and overflowing pit latrines, students are left with no choice but to use nearby bushes or open fields, exposing them to serious health risks. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable sanitation solutions, Speakers for Africa is prepared to leverage its experience and resources to construct a durable, cost-effective pit latrine so children can can be comfortable attending school.

Problem: Sanitation

Improved sanitation is crucial for health and sustainable development in Uganda. Challenges like high pit-emptying costs, poor sanitation maintenance, groundwater contamination, and limited hygiene awareness lead to open defecation, particularly in rural areas like Rwakobo Primary School, Uganda.

An estimated 3.2 million people defecate in the open. (World Bank Report)

Solution: Construction

Speakers for Africa seeks funding to construct a four-stall, gender-sensitive pit latrine and rehabilitate a two-stall latrine at Rwakobo Primary School in Mbarara District, Uganda. The project includes expanding hand-washing facilities and promoting WASH education to improve sanitation, prevent diseases like cholera, and support better health and a sustainable environment for the community.

We estimate our cost at $6,433.

Impact: Life Saving

With decades of experience and a proven sustainability plan, we will efficiently deliver durable sanitation infrastructure, expand hand-washing facilities, and promote WASH education to reduce disease, improve health, and foster long-term community well-being for over 300 students.

Background

Speakers for Africa, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Conifer, Colorado, was founded by a mother and son who began living in Uganda in 1997. Their deep love for Uganda grew into a mission to help vulnerable children through sustainable projects. With decades of experience and a strong connection to the region, we work quickly and with fair market prices to deliver impactful results. Over the past few years, we have sponsored schools in Uganda with educational materials, scholarships, lunch meals and soccer clubs.

We are deeply committed to constructing pit latrines for schools in Uganda, addressing the urgent need for improved sanitation. We have secured government approvals, reliable contractors, and access to affordable materials, ensuring this project is practical, cost-effective, and sustainable.

Drawing from best practices observed in similar projects, we aim to guarantee long-term success. Our international NGO permit is pending in Uganda, and we plan to finalize it during our upcoming trip. In February, we will commemorate this pit latrine project by bringing a team from Evergreen, Colorado, to see the progress firsthand.

With a reputation for building durable relationships in Uganda, we negotiate fair prices and avoid common challenges faced by other nonprofits. We maximize donor contributions through responsible allocation and provide live-streamed updates to showcase the direct impact of every donation, fostering trust and transparency throughout the process.

Executive Summary

Speakers for Africa, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Mbarara, Evergreen Rotary, Rotary of Denver SE, Blue Spruce Kiwanis, and several Colorado businesses, is seeking funding to construct a gender-sensitive pit latrine at Rwakobo Primary School, located in Lake Mburo National Park in the Mbarara district of Uganda. With 27 years of living in and visiting Uganda, coupled with high-level government contacts and a network of competent engineers and contractors, we are uniquely positioned to deliver this project efficiently and at a fair price.

The school’s current sanitation facilities are severely inadequate, creating an urgent need to address its students' and staff's health and safety. Poor hygiene contributes to the spread of diseases, undermining education and overall well-being. Hon. Wilson Kajwenje, Member of Parliament for the Mbarara district, has requested Speakers for Africa’s assistance to address this critical sanitation challenge. Without proper facilities, students are forced to relieve themselves in nearby bushes or open fields, exposing them to health risks and indignity. Through this initiative, we will construct a high-quality latrine, expand handwashing facilities, and provide comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education to create a lasting impact.

Our sustainability plan centers on using local labor, creating jobs, and sourcing all materials locally to support the community and economy. The project is overseen by government officials and local leaders, ensuring trust, accountability, and alignment with local practices. While constructing the pit latrine according to local expertise and traditions, we are enhancing its durability by incorporating elements of Western standards. This approach balances respect for local methods with long-term improvements. Additionally, we are using this project as an opportunity to explore more sustainable and innovative ways to manage human waste, contributing to broader environmental and community benefits.

Problem Statement

Rwakobo Primary School, located in Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda, is facing a severe sanitation crisis. With over 300 students and collapsed or non-functional latrines, many are forced to defecate in bushes or open fields, exposing them to preventable diseases like cholera and diarrhea—major risks in a country where 3.2 million people practice open defecation. Girls face additional challenges, as the lack of secure, private facilities leads to absenteeism during menstruation. These conditions compromise students’ health, dignity, and education, making proper sanitation essential for a safe and supportive learning environment.

Uganda as a whole struggles with sanitation, with 75% of urban residents relying on poorly constructed pit latrines. Common issues include collapsed structures, groundwater contamination, high latrine-emptying costs, and inadequate hygiene education. At Rwakobo, we are addressing these challenges by constructing a durable, gender-sensitive latrine using local labor, materials, and expertise while enhancing durability with elements of Western standards. Overseen by government officials and local leaders, this project creates jobs, improves health, and fosters sustainability. We also aim to explore innovative methods for managing human waste, contributing to long-term solutions for the community.

Common issues include:

Collapsed or poorly maintained latrines.
Open defecation due to inadequate facilities.
Contamination of groundwater from improperly constructed pits.
High costs of emptying latrines. Limited hygiene education and practices.
Discovery of rocks and hidden boulders, resulting in significantly increased cost.

Our Solution

Speakers for Africa seeks funding to construct a four-stall, gender-sensitive pit latrine and rehabilitate and restore a two-stall latrine at Rwakobo Primary School in Mbarara District, Uganda. The project includes expanding hand-washing facilities and promoting WASH education to improve sanitation, prevent diseases like cholera, and support better health and a sustainable environment for the community.

This project will be overseen by government officials and local leaders, ensuring its success and sustainability while creating jobs and improving the community's overall health and environment. We estimate our cost at $6,433.

Provide safe, hygienic, and private sanitation facilities for both boys and girls.
Reduce the spread of waterborne diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
Foster greater attendance and participation in school, particularly for girls.

Our plan also includes:

Handwashing Facilities: Installing expanded handwashing stations with access to a reliable water supply.
WASH Education: Delivering hygiene education to students and staff to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facilities

Project Goals and Objectives

Overall goal: Improve sanitation and hygiene at the Rwakobo Primary School, Western Uganda. Construct a four-stall, gender-sensitive pit latrine and rehabilitate a two-stall latrine at Rwakobo Primary School in Mbarara District, Uganda.

Expand hand-washing facilities to accommodate the school’s population.
Research the introduction of bio-toilets with worms, also known as tiger worm toilets or vermifilter toilets.
Educate students and staff on hygiene and the proper use and maintenance of the latrines, including WASH training.
Foster long-term health improvements and reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.
Establish a sustainable legacy fund to cover the ongoing costs of safely emptying and treating human waste from the pit latrines. This fund will ensure long-term sanitation maintenance, protect public health, and uphold the effectiveness of the infrastructure for years to come.

This project will:

Provide safe, hygienic, and private sanitation facilities for both boys and girls.
Reduce the spread of waterborne diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
Foster greater attendance and participation in school, particularly for girls.

Project Activities

Scout location
Survey and assess the school grounds for construction suitability.
Consult the water board personnel for availability of water in the area.
Clear and level the selected site.
Excavate the pit.
Ensure the design meets environmental and safety standards to prevent groundwater contamination.
Install multiple hand-washing stations near the latrines.
Equip facilities with soap dispensers and water tanks.
Conduct workshops for students and staff on WASH practices.
Provide training on proper latrine maintenance to ensure sustainability.
Commemorate with a sign from our sponsors.

Budget

The total funding required for this project is $6,433.

This budget includes:

Materials for constructing a durable pit latrine: $3,000
Labor and transportation: $2,000
Handwashing facilities and water supply: $1,000
WASH education materials and sessions: $433

By leveraging local partnerships and resources, including the Rotary Club of Mbarara and other sponsors, we will ensure every dollar is used effectively, delivering maximum impact at minimal cost.

Organizational Capability

Speakers for Africa has a proven track record of delivering impactful projects in Uganda. Our collaboration with Rotary clubs and local businesses ensures access to expertise and resources. The invitation from Hon. Wilson Kajwenje reinforces the community’s trust in our ability to execute this project successfully. Previous sanitation initiatives completed by our team demonstrate our commitment to quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

Project Timeline

Month 1: December 2024 — January 12, 2025: Planning and procurement.

Month 2: January 16, 2025: Start the construction of the pit latrine:

Month 3: February 2025: Completion of pit latrine:

Month 4: March 2025: (US team first visit: 1st week of March.) Installation of handwashing facilities: WASH education sessions.

Month 5: April 2025: Project evaluation and reporting:

Sustainability Plan

Our latrine construction project at Rwakobo Primary School is built on a foundation of sustainability, collaboration, and community empowerment. By employing local labor and sourcing building materials from within the region, we are creating immediate job opportunities while stimulating the local economy. These efforts ensure that the project supports not only the school but also the broader community in a meaningful and lasting way.

We are committed to working in close cooperation with the government of Uganda, aligning with their education and sanitation goals. This partnership not only strengthens our impact but also demonstrates our long-term dedication to Uganda's development, supporting our pending international NGO license application. Additionally, we are honored to partner with the Rotary of Mbarara, whose expertise and community connections will help ensure the project's success.

The support and collaboration of key stakeholders—including the school administration, the headmaster, the families of the students, and the local elders—are integral to this initiative. Their input and endorsement reflect the community's commitment to improving hygiene and safety for their children.

By combining local resources, government collaboration, and community involvement, this project exemplifies our holistic and sustainable approach to development. It underscores our intent to create lasting, positive change in Uganda and our commitment to building relationships rooted in trust and mutual benefit.

To ensure long-term impact, we will:

Train staff and students in proper latrine and handwashing maintenance.
Partner with local organizations for periodic facility inspections.
Provide educational materials to reinforce WASH principles.

Our sustainability plan includes creating a legacy fund to cover the removal and treatment of waste, ensuring the long-term maintenance of the latrines. By partnering with a U.S.-based nonprofit that is also a registered international NGO in Uganda, we ensure a lasting commitment to Rwakobo Primary School. This relationship guarantees that we will always stay connected to the school, providing support whenever needed, especially if any issues arise with the latrines. Our established presence in Uganda, backed by decades of experience, allows us to continue assisting the school well beyond the completion of this project.

We estimate the total cost for the project at $6,433, which includes all necessary materials, local labor, and oversight from both government officials and local leaders. This approach, rooted in our longstanding relationships and commitment to transparency, ensures that donor funds are used responsibly and effectively, creating a sustainable and supportive environment for Rwakobo Primary School for years to come.

Expected Outcomes

Access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities for over 300 students and staff.
Reduced risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera and diarrhea.
Increased awareness and adoption of hygiene practices among the school community.
A healthier, more dignified learning environment for students.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Speakers for Africa will monitor progress through:

Regular site visits during construction.
Feedback from students, teachers, and parents on the facility's impact.
Annual evaluations of maintenance practices and health outcomes at the school.
Create a legacy fund to pay for the removal and treatment of the waste. We will set aside $100 each year for five years to pay for the sewage truck.

Cultural Sensitivity and Innovation

At Speakers for Africa, we believe in leveraging local knowledge and being sensitive to the cultural context of the communities we serve. We work closely with local leaders, teachers, and community members to ensure that the project aligns with their needs and traditions. At the same time, we are exploring innovative techniques and modern technology to design a more effective and sustainable way to handle human waste. By combining traditional practices with advancements in sanitation engineering, we aim to create a solution that is not only culturally appropriate but also environmentally sound and forward-looking.

This project proposal can also be accessed at https://www.speakersforafrica.org/latrineproject

Conclusion

By funding this project, you will play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of over 300 students at Rwakobo Primary School. Together, we can create a healthier, safer, and more equitable learning environment, fostering opportunities for future success.

With your support, this initiative will not only address urgent sanitation needs but also set a foundation for sustainable hygiene practices within the community. Thank you for considering this impactful partnership. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these children and the community. This project proposal can also be accessed at https://www.speakersforafrica.org/latrineproject

Project Timeline

Human waste is best managed by removal and treatment, but often people cannot afford it. Therefore, many latrines access a cheaper and high-risk method, allowing liquid to percolate back into the soil. Our latrines would be properly lined and airtight, ensuring that the groundwater is protected.

Bio-Toilets and Removal

Bio-toilets with a tiger worm system, paired with efficient sewage removal and treatment processes, offers an optimal solution for managing human waste cost-effectively and sustainably.