A call to protect women and ensure safe access to water and sanitation in Uganda
- cgrandadam
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
New research on the prevalence of sexual corruption in access to WASH in three districts reveals urgent need for recognition and action
In 2024-2025, WIN, with support from UWASNET and ANEW, carried out research in Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Lira districts in Uganda on the prevalence of sexual corruption in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Sexual corruption (sometimes referred to as sextortion) happens when someone in a position of power demands, hints at, or accepts sexual acts in exchange for water and sanitation access, repairs, connections, jobs, or rights.
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"Sex for water" is real and affects women in several districts
The women interviewed for the research revealed a widespread but hidden problem threatening women accessing WASH in different districts of Uganda. The research shows clearly that sexual corruption is a specific issue, unlike other forms of gender-based violence. It confirms earlier findings from Kenya and Bangladesh, showing that poverty, water insecurity, long travel times, and district-level governance gaps drive risk, not individual traits or behaviour. Interestingly, the results vary significantly between districts.
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Recognise, raise awareness, and build safe water infrastructure
To ensure progress on Uganda's targets for water and sanitation access and gender equality, targeted action is necessary to prevent and stop sexual corruption in the water and sanitation sectors. There are three key levers for change in the WASH sector:
Formal recognition of sexual corruption in law and policy, with the dual definition of corruption / abuse of power and gender-based violence.
Better infrastructure, close to or at home, and designed for women's safety.
Awareness and safeguards within water and sanitation institutions, oversight and enforcement bodies, and service providers.
See all the findings, download the brief:
Lessons learned from campaigns against sexual corruption in East Africa |
Civil society networks in Kenya, ANEW and KEWASNET, worked with legislators to bring sexual corruption in water access onto the national agenda after research documented widespread “sex for water” practices. A formal petition in Parliament to amend the Penal Code to explicitly criminalise sexual corruption has led to cross-sector commitments for better recognition and is on track to be formally acted on.
Three key elements have been key to decisive action on sexual corruption issues in water and sanitation in Kenya but also in education in Tanzania and other sectors globally:
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Title | A Call to Protect Women and Ensure Safe Access to Water and Sanitation in Uganda: Research on Prevalence of Sexual Corruption in Access to WASH in Three Disctricts Reveals Urgent Need for Action |
Author | Water Integrity Network |
December 2025 | |
Contributors | |
Description | Key results from surveys in three disctricts of Uganda on experiences of sexual corruption in the water and sanitation sectors. Description of the approach, key findings including on the drivers of risk (including poverty, water insecurity, long travel times to fetch water, district-level governance gaps). Recommendations focus on need for recognition and awareness, need for better infrastructure and clear service standards, social protection measures, and more research. |