The Hidden Crisis: The Staggering Cost of Failing to Invest in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion piece by Cate Namyalo arguing that Uganda is paying a heavy economic and social price for underinvesting in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The article says poor WASH services cost the country UGX 648.7 billion each year and could lead to cumulative losses of UGX 98.96 trillion by 2035 if current investment patterns do not change. It also cites broader losses of nearly UGX 9.71 trillion annually from illness, premature deaths, lost productivity and time spent collecting water or seeking care.

The piece says the health effects are severe, linking inadequate sanitation and hygiene to a large share of preventable disease and to thousands of deaths among children under five each year. It also points to education impacts, using the example of a girl in Kaberamaido District who must spend hours fetching water and may miss school because of poor sanitation facilities. Beyond health and schooling, the author says weak WASH systems reduce household welfare and national productivity.

The commentary argues that greater and better-targeted financing could reduce preventable illness, cut healthcare costs and support jobs in sanitation-related businesses and services. It calls for clearer budget allocations, accountability measures and stronger national and local planning. The article urges the Ministry of Finance, Parliament and other government actors to treat WASH as a development investment tied to Uganda’s broader growth goals.