Partnerships for sanitation for the urban poor in Uganda

This paper discusses Partnerships for sanitation for the urban poor in Uganda. The paper focuses on two main issues : (i) how public private partnership (PPP)- also called Tripartite Partnership(TPP) are helping in improving sanitation among the urban poor, and (ii) the coordination of NGOs by an umbrella organisation of Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network(UWASNET). Sanitation is an inter-sectoral issue; Poor water and sanitation lead to sanitation related diseases that affect people and particularly so among the urban poor. To improve sanitation among the urban poor, there is need for concerted efforts amongst all stakeholders to play a key and leading role in arresting this situation. PPP/TPP is therefore key in addressing urban sanitation challenges. The involvement of Government, Development Partners, NGOs and the Private Sector is vital; pooling resources together is equally essential as well as making strategic alliances with other agencies with similar objectives. The role of UWASNET is important for coordination, networking, learning and sharing key Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) information in the Sector and this is done in partnership with other stakeholders. Local and international NGOs have contributed substantially to the realisation of achievements sub sector. In 2007 alone, in monetary terms, NGOs and CBOs invested up to the tune of US$ 43.7 million. This equals to 33% of the entire Government Water Sector Budget allocate in the FY 2006-07 of Ushs 142.8 billion (UWASNET NGO Group Performance report, September 2008). UWASNET is a Network organisation that coordinates NGOs and CBOs involved in the WATSAN Sector of Uganda with a current membership of 170 NGOs.

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