Minister Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa Leads Call for Child-Centered WASH Investment at Day of African Child Commemoration

LCC TV NEWS

Kamuli, Uganda – The Minister of State for Youth and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, has joined communities in Kamuli District to commemorate the Day of the African Child, reaffirming the government's commitment to placing children at the center of national development through improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services .

Dr. Lakisa joined the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, at Nawansaso Primary School for the national commemoration, held under the theme "Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene" . The event highlighted the critical importance of ensuring every African child has access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services—a fundamental right that protects children's health, dignity, and future.

In her remarks, Dr. Lakisa emphasized that access to WASH services is not a privilege but a baseline upon which every other child right depends. The commemoration served as a platform to address the needs of vulnerable children, with particular attention to the challenges facing adolescent girls who often miss school due to inadequate menstrual hygiene management facilities.

The minister's participation comes amid a broader continental push to integrate WASH services with education and child protection. Just days earlier, Dr. Lakisa had moderated the 10th African Union International Centre for Girls' and Women's Education High-Level Dialogue, which called for stronger integration of nutrition, safety, and WASH services to advance girls' and women's education across Africa . The Dialogue highlighted the critical role that safe sanitation facilities, clean water, and gender-responsive school environments play in reducing absenteeism, improving learning outcomes, and promoting girls' empowerment .

Dr. Lakisa, who serves as Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Youth and Children Affairs, has consistently championed children's rights since assuming office . Her recent actions have demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting children from abuse and ensuring their well-being.

Earlier this month, the minister led police detectives to Multiple Junior School in Jinja City following allegations of corporal punishment, directing the arrest of teachers involved in caning pupils . She also condemned the continued use of corporal punishment following the death of a student in Luwero district, reminding schools that discipline must be enforced through lawful and child-friendly approaches .

The Day of the African Child commemoration in Kamuli provided an opportunity to reaffirm government commitments while listening directly to children's concerns. The event aligns with Uganda's national development priorities and the African Union's Agenda 2040: Fostering an Africa Fit for Children, which emphasizes the need for child-sensitive planning and budgeting across all sectors .

As Dr. Lakisa stated during her address, investing in clean water and sanitation is investing in the nation's future—a message underscored by the stark reality that millions of Ugandan children still lack access to these essential services. The commemoration served as a powerful reminder that when children are given the space to speak and communities rally together, real change is possible.