Abstract

Sanitation is a critical determinant of public health, particularly in low-income countries like Uganda, where 
inadequate infrastructure exacerbates the spread of waterborne diseases, especially diarrheal infections. This review 
explores the relationship between poor sanitation and the high incidence of diarrheal diseases in Uganda, focusing 
on rural communities. Diarrhea, often caused by contaminated water and food, remains one of the leading causes of 
mortality, particularly among children under five. The sanitation landscape in Uganda is characterized by significant 
rural-urban disparities, with rural areas facing limited access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and hygiene 
education. The review examines the socio-economic factors, including poverty, urbanization, and cultural practices, 
that perpetuate poor sanitation in Uganda. It also discusses public health implications, including the high mortality 
rate from diarrheal diseases and the strain on the healthcare system. Several interventions, such as the Water, 
Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program and Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), have been introduced to 
address these challenges. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted 
approach that includes improved infrastructure, community involvement, and hygiene education to reduce the 
burden of diarrheal diseases in Uganda.