Deadline: 03-Apr-2026
The UNICEF Uganda WASH Programme 2026 invites organizations to implement projects that improve water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and environmental sustainability for children and communities. With an indicative budget of $402,921, the initiative focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure, safe hygiene practices, and system strengthening. The goal is to achieve clean, safe, and sustainable living conditions by 2028.
What is the UNICEF Uganda WASH Programme?
The programme is led by UNICEF and aims to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Uganda.
It focuses on:
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Providing safe drinking water
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Improving sanitation infrastructure
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Promoting hygiene behavior change
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Supporting environmental sustainability and climate resilience
The programme targets children, families, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Key Programme Details
Total Budget
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$402,921 (indicative)
Geographic Scope
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Uganda (targeted regions)
Programme Duration
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Designed to achieve outcomes by 2028
Key Sectors
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Water (safe drinking water access)
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Sanitation (basic and safely managed sanitation)
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Hygiene (behavior change and awareness)
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Environment and energy
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WASH in emergencies
Core Focus Areas
1. Water Access
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Ensure reliable access to safe and affordable drinking water
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Promote water use for cooking and personal hygiene
2. Sanitation
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Expand access to safe and inclusive sanitation facilities
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Reduce open defecation
3. Hygiene Promotion
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Encourage handwashing and safe hygiene practices
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Improve community awareness and behavior
4. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
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Develop WASH systems that withstand climate and environmental risks
5. Environmental Sustainability
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Reduce pollution and promote sustainable resource use
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
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Improve health and wellbeing of children and families
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Strengthen climate resilience of WASH services
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Enhance institutional capacity and service delivery
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Promote community engagement and demand for WASH services
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Support sustainable environmental practices
Expected Outcomes by 2028
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Increased use of safe water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene
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Access to safely managed sanitation services
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Adoption of safe hygiene behaviors
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Improved climate adaptation capacity
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Reduced environmental degradation and pollution
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Functional WASH infrastructure in schools and healthcare facilities
What is WASH? (Key Concept Explained)
WASH stands for:
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Water – Access to clean and safe water
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Sanitation – Safe disposal of human waste
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Hygiene – Practices like handwashing to prevent disease
WASH is critical for:
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Preventing diseases
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Improving public health
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Enhancing quality of life
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
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Organizations operating in Uganda
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NGOs and civil society organizations
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Institutions with experience in WASH or environmental programmes
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Demonstrate experience in WASH, environment, or public health
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Have capacity to implement community-based interventions
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Work with government and local stakeholders
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Ensure inclusive and sustainable programming
Why This Programme Matters
Access to safe water and sanitation is essential for health, education, and development.
This programme is important because it:
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Reduces waterborne diseases
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Improves child health and nutrition
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Builds climate-resilient communities
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Strengthens public service systems
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Promotes long-term environmental sustainability
How the Programme Works
System Strengthening Approach
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Builds capacity of:
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District authorities
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Private sector
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Service providers
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Multi-Stakeholder Coordination
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Collaboration at:
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District level
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Sub-county level
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Community level
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Community Engagement
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Awareness campaigns
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Behavior change initiatives
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Demand generation for WASH services
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Review Eligibility
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Confirm your organization meets all criteria
Step 2: Prepare Expression of Interest (EOI)
Include:
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Organizational profile
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Relevant WASH experience
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Implementation strategy
Step 3: Develop Project Proposal
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Define objectives and outcomes
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Include climate-resilient approaches
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Highlight community engagement plans
Step 4: Submit Application
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Follow UNICEF Uganda’s official EOI process
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Ensure all documents are complete
Step 5: Participate in Selection
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Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further evaluation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Weak experience in WASH or environmental projects
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Lack of climate-resilient approach
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Poor community engagement strategy
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Incomplete application submission
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Limited focus on sustainability
Pro Tips
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Emphasize climate resilience and sustainability
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Demonstrate impact on children and communities
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Show strong partnerships with local stakeholders
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Include measurable outcomes and indicators
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main goal of this programme?
To improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Uganda.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Organizations with experience in WASH, environment, or public health.
3. What is the total budget?
Approximately $402,921.
4. What does WASH stand for?
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
5. What are the key outcomes?
Improved hygiene practices, safe water access, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
6. Does the programme focus on climate change?
Yes, it emphasizes climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
7. Who benefits from this programme?
Children, families, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Uganda WASH & Environmental Sustainability Programme 2026 is a vital initiative to improve public health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. By strengthening systems, promoting safe practices, and expanding access to essential services, the programme aims to create cleaner, safer, and more sustainable communities by 2028.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.