Gulu District Local Government will from next year reward villages with the highest number of latrines in a bid to improve sanitation and fight diseases that come as a result of poor.
According to the Ministry of Health 2015 report on sanitation, Gulu district has latrine coverage of 74 percent with a population of over 300, 000.
Palaro Sub County leads in Gulu district with a latrine coverage of 74 percent.
Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the Gulu District LCV Chairman said recently that the reward is part of a motivation to encourage families to join the fight against preventable diseases.
Mapenduzi said the reward to those who will have latrines will not be monetary terms but it will be something that will encourage families to build facilities such as latrine, kitchen rack and rubbish in their homestead. He did not explains in what form these rewards will be.
He said it is unacceptable for people use bushes for call of nature in this century, describing it as a shameful practice.
Gulu district council is drafting a by law to boost sanitation in homes .The ordinance is intended to punish those who throw litter anyhow.
Dr Joyce Mariku Kaducu, the State Minister for Health, Primary Health Care (PHC) recently said that the focus of government on dealing with health issues has changed from curative to prevention.
Kaducu who was speaking in Omoro said 85 percent of diseases can be prevented by ensuring that communities live in clean environment with improved sanitation.
She said this can be achieved through building latrines and other necessary sanitation facilities.