IRC joined government leaders, partners, and school representatives at the 3rd National WASH in Schools (WinS) Symposium held from October 6–8, 2025, under the theme “Accelerating Access to Safe Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Learner.” The three-day event combined a national-level symposium in Jinja with a learner-led WASH Parliament in Kamuli, creating a platform for children, policymakers, CSOs, and technical experts to jointly reflect on progress and drive commitments toward universal WASH in schools.
Elevating learner voices: Parliamentary debate in Kamuli
IRC supported and participated in the Learners’ WASH Parliament hosted at Kamuli Township Primary School, bringing together eight schools from Kamuli, Buyende, Luuka, and Namutumba districts. Using formal parliamentary procedures blended with creative student-led dialogue, learners debated sanitation challenges, menstrual hygiene, and the importance of parental involvement. The session demonstrated that with the right platform, learners can articulate informed, context-specific solutions to the WASH challenges they face daily. IRC also distributed photovoice materials and gifts to participating schools to encourage ongoing advocacy and learning.
National dialogue and policy influence in Jinja
The main symposium in Jinja brought together government ministries, development partners, and educators. In his keynote address, Dr. Hamis Mugendawala of the National Planning Authority emphasised the need to invest in climate-resilient WASH systems, integrate WASH in education data systems, and adopt synergy-based approaches across ministries and sectors. IRC played a leading role in multiple technical and policy discussions.
Strengthening WASH indicators for SDG 6.1 & 6.2
During a high-level panel discussion on “Measuring what matters,” IRC highlighted innovations in data collection, citizen-led monitoring, and digital tools essential for improving the accuracy and usability of WASH indicators in schools. The panel affirmed that sustainable WASH goes beyond infrastructure, it requires reliable, disaggregated data, accountability, and systems that ensure no child is left behind.
Tackling menstrual stigma and advancing gender inclusion
IRC chaired a high-impact session on menstrual hygiene management (MHM), focusing on persistent stigma and gender barriers in schools. Discussions reinforced the need for integrated solutions combining infrastructure, education, and behaviour change, alongside teacher training and student-led initiatives.
Leading climate-resilient WASH thinking
IRC presented preliminary findings from the Climate-Resilient WASH manual for schools and co-facilitated a session on preparing schools for climate uncertainty. Participants explored innovations including rainwater harvesting, solar pumping, ecological sanitation, and water reuse, all part of IRC’s broader effort to strengthen long-term resilience and sustainability.
Advocacy for long-term financing
IRC also contributed to discussions on how civil society can advocate for sustained WASH investment, emphasizing evidence-driven advocacy, monitoring government expenditure, and building cross-sector alliances to secure long-term financing models that benefit underserved school communities.
Moving from dialogue to action
The symposium concluded with commitments to strengthen collaboration, increase investment in sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, improve monitoring mechanisms, and integrate gender and inclusion in WASH programming.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms. Kedrace Turyagenda, urged stakeholders to translate discussions into action and ensure that every learner has access to safe, quality, affordable, reliable and sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
IRC’s continued commitment
Through its direct support, facilitation, and thought leadership at this year’s symposium, IRC reaffirmed its dedication to systems strengthening, data-informed planning, climate resilience, and inclusive WASH solutions in schools. IRC will continue collaborating with government, development partners, and communities to accelerate progress toward SDG 6 and ensure that every learner in Uganda can thrive in a safe and healthy school environment.