Phase Two Of Dettol Hygiene Quest Uganda Launched, Schools & Parents Urged To Champion Daily Hygiene

By Frank Kamuntu

Kampala, Uganda — Chil Group in partnership with Reckitt Uganda has officially launched Phase Two of the Dettol Hygiene Quest Uganda, a transformative initiative aimed at promoting hygiene, sanitation, and health education in schools across the country.

The launch, held under the theme “Empowering Schools for a Healthier Future,” marks a major milestone in Uganda’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every child learns in a clean, safe, and healthy environment.

Gracing the event as Chief Guest, Hon. Florence Nambozo Wamala, Minister of State under the Office of the Prime Minister (in charge of Karamoja Affairs), commended Reckitt and CHIL AI Lab for their unwavering partnership in advancing public health and education.

“Hygiene and sanitation are not just health issues; they are pillars of education, economic growth, and national development,” she said. “A child who is sick cannot learn, and a teacher without basic facilities cannot maintain a healthy classroom.”

The Minister noted that the initiative aligns with government priorities under the National Development Plan, especially efforts to reduce absenteeism and improve child well-being through access to clean water and sanitation.

She called for greater focus on sustainability and community integration, emphasizing that the message of hygiene should go beyond schools and reach homes and villages.

“Let us not stop at schools. The habits we teach children must continue in homes and communities. Clean, healthy families build a productive nation,” she urged.

Minister Nambozo also encouraged district education leaders to ensure the maintenance of handwashing facilities and continuous use of hygiene guidebooks distributed under the program.

“We must remember that this is not just about infrastructure or technology. It is about changing minds and saving lives. The healthy child we nurture today is the productive citizen of tomorrow,” she concluded.

Dr. Safinah Kisu Museene, Commissioner for Health Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for the program, citing its strong alignment with the National School Policy 2023 and School WASH Policy 2023.

“Initiatives like this help learners stay free from preventable diseases,” Dr. Museene said. “We encourage all teachers and district leaders to collaborate closely with our partners to ensure hygiene education is prioritized at every school.”

She praised the program’s hands-on and data-driven approach that integrates hygiene lessons into classroom learning.

“Clean hands shouldn’t be a privilege; they should be every child’s right,” she emphasized. “Together, we must ensure every child is safe from preventable hygiene-related illnesses.”

Dr. Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, CEO of CHIL Group of Companies, expressed her excitement at the continuation of the initiative, describing Phase Two as “a bold step toward making hygiene second nature for every Ugandan child.”

“We are thrilled to launch Phase Two of the Dettol Hygiene Quest in Uganda — a continued step in our mission to improve hygiene across children, families, and communities,” Dr. Nabuuma said.

She noted that Phase One demonstrated the power of collaboration, technology, and community, reaching 750 schools, installing 1,500 handwashing stations, and impacting over 450,000 learners and teachers.

“Now, we are going further — reaching more schools, introducing new materials, and strengthening partnerships,” she added. “Our goal is simple but powerful: to make hygiene second nature for every child in Uganda.”

Dr. Nabuuma also acknowledged WINNFUND and Reckitt for supporting innovation in health and education, saying, “Together, we are not just teaching hygiene — we are shaping a healthier, brighter future.”

Mr. Bornface Shaka, Country Manager for Reckitt Uganda, highlighted the new technological components of Phase Two, including the Dettol Hygiene Quest Chatbot, a digital assistant designed to support teachers in planning lessons, tracking attendance, and monitoring hygiene practices.

“This digital assistant makes hygiene learning interactive and sustainable,” Shaka explained. “It helps teachers engage children in fun, daily hygiene habits while tracking progress and attendance — ensuring that hygiene becomes a culture, not just a campaign.”

He added that the use of digital tools will enable schools to collect data for informed decision-making, improve attendance, and measure progress toward cleaner, safer learning environments.

Building on its early success, Phase Two (2025–2026) will:

• Expand to 750 additional schools across high-need districts like Kisoro, Kanungu, Iganga, Kamuli, and Rafai.
• Reach over 500,000 more children, teachers, and parents.
• Launch the Dettol Hygiene Quest App for digital monitoring.
• Train teachers to make hygiene education interactive and lasting.
• Strengthen partnerships for long-term sustainability.

About Dettol Hygiene Quest Uganda

Dettol Hygiene Quest Uganda is a collaborative effort between Reckitt, CHIL Femtech Ltd, and the Ministry of Education and Sports, dedicated to improving hygiene and sanitation in schools. The program is funded by Reckitt — the global health and hygiene company behind brands such as Dettol, Harpic, and Durex — and implemented by CHIL Femtech Ltd, a digital health enterprise using technology to improve health outcomes across Africa.

Since its inception, the initiative has transformed learning environments, reduced hygiene-related illnesses, and empowered teachers with the tools to make hygiene education part of everyday classroom life.