The first-ever Uganda WASH Impact and Influence awards were launched in late May 2025, largely to celebrate frontline heroes, from researchers to youth innovators, transforming communities with real-world solutions to Uganda’s hygiene and sanitation crisis.
Since then, the clock has been ticking toward the August 15 deadline for submission of nominations. To be precise, there are two days left until the close of the submission deadline. Hurry those nominations. Nominate a change-maker today!
The awards are a bold step toward improving public health and development outcomes. The Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET), in partnership with key government ministries and development partners, launched the first-ever WASH Impact and Influence Awards.
The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the individuals, organizations and innovations making significant strides in providing clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services across Uganda.
The launch was announced during a press briefing in Kampala on May 29, 2025. The awards come at a time when over 30 million Ugandans still lack access to safe sanitation, and many others face persistent challenges around clean water access and hygiene services.
These issues are not only about health, but also impact education, economic growth and Uganda’s ability to withstand climate-related challenges.
CELEBRATING CHANGE-MAKERS IN WASH
The Uganda WASH Impact and Influence Awards are designed to honor individuals and organizations that are transforming communities through innovation, inclusivity and a deep commitment to improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.
These awards aim to spotlight the change-makers who are leading by example, whether through groundbreaking programs, youth-led initiatives, or long-standing contributions to the sector. This year’s awards will recognize excellence across six key areas.
The Programmatic Impact category will celebrate impactful initiatives that have made measurable improvements in WASH access and delivery. Youth-led WASH Initiatives will highlight the efforts of young people who are driving meaningful change in their communities.
The Technology, Innovation, and WASH Financing category will reward those using creative tools, new technologies, or smart financial models to solve WASH challenges. Media Excellence will honor journalists and media houses whose reporting has raised awareness and influenced action.
Contributions from the academic and research community will be recognized under the Research and Academia category. Lastly, the Lifetime Achievement award will honor individuals whose decades of dedication have left a lasting legacy in Uganda’s WASH sector.
Through these awards, UWASNET aims to uplift the voices and work of those who are ensuring that every Ugandan has access to safe water, dignified sanitation, and hygiene services that improve health, productivity, and wellbeing.
“This initiative is more than a ceremony, it’s a movement to institutionalize excellence and impact in WASH,” said Martin Kityo, Liaison and Networking Officer at UWASNET, during the launch.
“The media is not just a messenger, it is a mirror, a magnifier, and a mobilizer. We call on all journalists and storytellers to help us raise awareness and spotlight these WASH champions.”
The awards were launched with support from a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the ministry of Water and Environment, the ministry of Health, the ministry of Education and Sports, the Austria Development Agency, and other local and international development partners. A multi-sectoral advisory board will guide the awards process.
It includes representatives from government ministries, academia, civil society, and the private sector. An independent panel of judges will ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with national development priorities.
CALL FOR ENTRIES AND HOW TO PARTICIPATE
UWASNET is now inviting nominations from across the country. Eligible nominees include NGOs, community-based organizations, researchers, journalists, innovators, and even individual citizens working to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene in their communities.
To apply, individuals and organizations can visit the UWASNET website to download the application form (https:// bit.ly/wash-awards).
Nominations must include a summary of achievements, supporting evidence such as reports, testimonials, or photos, and should be submitted no later than August 15, 2025. Winners will be announced at a national award ceremony scheduled for October 3, 2025.
Special recognition will also be given to media professionals who have helped raise awareness of WASH issues, through impactful print, radio, TV, or multimedia journalism.
“We want to recognize storytellers who help Ugandans understand that clean water and safe sanitation are not luxuries—they are human rights,” said Sarah Namutebi, a communications expert at the ministry of Health.