Minister of Water and Environment recognize CSO demands for safe drinking water and sanitation

Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Maria Mutagamba, while attending the World Water Day (March 22) celebrations in the urban poor settlement of Kawempe, Kampala city was handed a Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) manifesto demanding government to make firm commitments in ensuring water and sanitation for all.

The statement was submitted by Alice Anukur, the WaterAid in Uganda Country Representative on behalf of CSOs under the umbrella of Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network (UWASNET).

In the manifesto, the CSOs are demanding concrete action from the government of Uganda to tackle the water and sanitation crisis in the country as it is such a key step towards ending poverty.

Water and sanitation is a human right
While addressing the people at the function Alice noted that; “when water and sanitation is given the lowest political and financial priority, progress towards the Millennium Development Goals is skewed.
“Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental human right rather than a charity given out on the whim of politicians,” Alice said. “To have meaningful progress, the government must recognize the right to water and sanitation alongside health, education and also commit more financial resources to the sector. “

In response to the remarks made by the CSO representative, the minister agreed to continue supporting World Walks for Water as a global movement for change where campaigners march in solidarity with the millions of people who have to walk 6km everyday just to collect water for their basic needs. She urged leaders at all levels of governance to be exemplary and custodians of good sanitation and water practices.