Toilet coverage in Ganda village in Nansana Municipality Wakiso district renewed calls for the need to formulate a law that makes it compulsory for the household to have a toilet facility.

The hygiene in this area which is located a few kilometers away from Kampala is worrying with locals sharing toilets while others are using polythene bags which they later dump in the trenches at night.

It’s easy for one to ask how this happens but for these people who live close to the swamp, it’s not new. Despite the area having some good buildings, some still have no toilets and these toilets serve as the only alternative.

“Almost 30 houses use a single toilet while others opt to buy polythene bags they use.” Some find comfort in these half drums and basins and when they get full, they dispose of in the drainage channels flowing into Rubigi. Mosquito nets are also being used as walls for the toilets in the area.

Locals attributed the declining hygiene and sanitation situation to the reluctance by local authorities. "Our leaders have never brought vehicles to collect garbage so it's up to the locals to find a solution for themselves.

" These locals are as well worried about this hygiene situation in this area."We are afraid of our children because they will be affected by diseases any time. For the elders, we can try to survive." "Diseases are beginning to emerge with Ebola now in the country makes me so worried."

Betty Nabagara the Vice Chairperson Ganda LC I zone confirmed that over 40 houses were sharing one toilet. "Most of those who constructed houses did not cater for toilets some people dig themselves pits/ditches which are used as toilets."

Jane Nakitto a local environmentalist wondered how people build in swamps with no toilets. “It is a well-known fact that one is supposed to first construct a toilet before constructing a house.

Even those carrying on the building works need a place of convenience which is a toilet. It is alleged that some people just pay builders to construct them houses with little or no supervision to ensure the toilets are also constructed.”

Ganda village is one of the most congested areas in Nansana Municipality in Wakiso district. The situation in Ganda village, however, challenges locals to make by-laws that enforce and ensure that locals have toilets. But unfortunately, local leaders fear to take action against their voters and in the end, nothing is done.