Health 7 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Substandard toilets in Arua pose deadly risks
In Arua City, rapid urbanization and limited space have led to the construction of poorly built and often uncovered pit latrines, creating significant health and safety hazards for residents. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/poorly-constructed-toilets-endanger-lives-in-arua-5586200
Arua City is grappling with a serious public health crisis as poorly constructed and inadequately covered pit latrines endanger lives. The rapid growth of the city and increasing population density are pushing residents to build sanitation facilities in any available space, often disregarding crucial factors like soil stability, proximity to water sources, and proper containment.
These substandard facilities, sometimes mere pits covered with tarpaulins or left open, pose a grave threat, particularly to children. A tragic incident in Ewanyapa Cell, Arua City West Division, saw a child lose their life after falling into an uncovered pit latrine. Local leaders, like LC1 Chairperson Mr. Benson Ondoga, express deep concern over the proliferation of these dangerous pits, noting that they not only risk fatal accidents but also act as breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Experts warn that the seepage of fecal matter from these poorly situated latrines can contaminate underground water sources, impacting the quality of drinking and cooking water. During rainy seasons, the situation exacerbates as waste can be washed into local streams and rivers. Statistics from 2025 indicate that while a majority of Arua’s residents have access to pit latrines, a significant portion lack access to improved facilities or handwashing stations, highlighting the broader sanitation challenges.
Past cholera outbreaks in the municipality have been linked to similar poor sanitation conditions. City officials acknowledge the problem, with the Assistant Health Officer, Mr. Alfred Amandu, stating that the city is summoning residents engaged in illegal toilet constructions to prevent further dangers. There is a call for strengthened inspections and holding landlords accountable for providing safe sanitation for their tenants.