Good governance for sustainable WASH programming: lessons from two USAID-funded projects in Uganda

The USAID/Uganda Strengthening Decentralization for Sustainability (SDS) Program’s WASH component and the Northern Uganda Development of Enhanced Local Governance, Infrastructure, and Livelihoods (NUDEIL) Program brought innovative approaches to supplying WASH services and infrastructure through existing District Local Government systems in Southwestern and Northern Uganda respectively. The SDS Program’s WASH Component focused on increasing the flow of resources, both human and financial, into existing District programs. Increased numbers of trainers and informational resources for CLTS and hygiene education allowed Districts to increase their number of ODF communities. The NUDEIL program built infrastructure through the District Local Governments, all the way from planning to construction supervision. The program allowed war-affected Districts to build up their capacity for planning, procurement, engineering supervision, and training with technical guidance from the implementing partner to successfully complete a large number of water points, with trained hand pump mechanics and water user committees.