Technology Without Borders

Detergent production in rural communities in Uganda

About the Project

Water, Sanitation and hygiene is a very important aspect of health in everyday life. Due to increased cost of living among some communities in Uganda, it becomes difficult for the citizens to maintain proper hygiene due to the high expense of detergent to wash their hands thoroughly and to regularly clean sanitary places, homes, classrooms in schools and clothes which exposes them to faecal matter and hygiene issues. With support from TeoG, I came up with a project to teach natives how to make detergent locally in their homes. If the communities have the materials, a significant amount of detergent can be made with little money affordable to them. The ingredients of the detergents include liquid soap, urea, ungalo, caustic soda, sulphuric acid, perfume, colourant and water. We also provided gloves and masks for ensuring safe handling of the ingredients. Through this project, some rural areas in Mpigi, Bubebbere and Luweero have fully acquired this skill which ensures proper hygiene in their homes and institutions. We look forward to reaching more communities to acquire this skill to improve sanitation in rural areas in Uganda. Finally, we would like to thank Uthano Foundation who provided free training in detergent production to some of our members and funded part of the chemicals. (Hiram Mwanga, RG Ndejje)