Uganda has taken a major step toward solving one of its toughest public health challenges — poor sanitation. Millions of Ugandans still lack access to safe toilets, exposing families to preventable diseases.
To address this, Luuka Plastics, one of Uganda’s largest plastics manufacturers, has partnered with SATO, a global sanitation solutions company. The collaboration will locally produce affordable, hygienic toilet technologies that are designed to serve households, schools, health centers, and community institutions.
At the launch, Musa Mugeere, Executive Director of Luuka Plastics, said the partnership is about more than business:
“This is about saving lives and restoring dignity. By making these products affordable, we can ensure that even the poorest families have access to safe sanitation,” Mugeere explained.
Currently, only 19% of Ugandans use safely managed sanitation services, according to the Ministry of Health. Many still rely on unsafe pit latrines or practice open defecation, which spreads diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid.
By producing SATO’s toilet pans and accessories in Uganda instead of importing them, costs will drop significantly. This will make safe toilets more accessible in rural and urban communities alike.
The project will also support the local economy. Luuka Plastics plans to employ Ugandans throughout the value chain — from manufacturing and quality control to distribution.
“This is not just about toilets. It’s about creating jobs, building skills, and ensuring every product meets high standards,” Mugeere said.
SATO’s toilet pans are designed to be child-friendly, hygienic, and durable, helping families with young children and the elderly. The products also reduce exposure to germs by limiting odors and flies, providing a cleaner, safer experience.
Health experts say these innovations will help cut down preventable diseases, particularly among children, who are most vulnerable to poor sanitation.
Luuka Plastics will use its wide distribution network to ensure the toilets reach every part of Uganda. Partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations are expected to help bring the products even to remote areas.
Mugeere stressed the social impact of the initiative:
“Safe sanitation is a right. It prevents disease, saves lives, and gives people dignity. Through this partnership, we want to ensure no one is left behind.”
The launch marks a milestone in Uganda’s journey toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). Stakeholders hope that local manufacturing, combined with community outreach, will accelerate progress and change the way Ugandans access sanitation.
