SATO, a social business of global building products company LIXIL, has announced a strategic partnership with Luuka Plastics to expand access to affordable sanitation in Uganda.
The partnership, unveiled in Kampala today, will see Luuka Plastics locally manufacture SATO’s innovative toilet pans and sanitation products, helping to accelerate efforts to address Uganda’s sanitation crisis.
Tackling Uganda’s Sanitation Challenge
Despite progress, Uganda still faces a critical sanitation gap. Only 19% of Ugandans have access to basic sanitation, while more than seven million people practice open defecation. Poor sanitation contributes to more than 11,000 deaths annually, including 7,500 children under the age of five from preventable diarrheal diseases.
Since entering the Ugandan market in 2017, SATO has sold more than 450,000 sanitation and hygiene products, improving the lives of over 2.2 million people nationwide. The company has also trained hundreds of local masons, artisans, and entrepreneurs to install and distribute its solutions.
Why Luuka Plastics?
Partnering with Luuka Plastics will strengthen SATO’s local production base, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective supply of sanitation products. The move is also expected to create jobs, develop skills within Uganda’s manufacturing sector, and speed up product distribution across both urban and rural communities.
“This partnership builds on our local production model and reinforces our long-term commitment to ‘Made in Uganda’ sanitation solutions,” said Timothy Kayondo, Country Leader, SATO Uganda.
Speaking at the launch, Kayondo emphasised the human impact of the collaboration: “Sanitation is not just about toilets—it is about dignity, health, and opportunity. By partnering with Luuka Plastics, we are ensuring Ugandan families have affordable access to life-changing solutions, while also supporting local jobs and industry.”
Musa Mugeere, Executive Director of Luuka Plastics, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to both community development and industrial growth:
“At Luuka Plastics, we are proud to manufacture products that not only serve households but also transform lives. This partnership with SATO strengthens Uganda’s sanitation economy and creates a future where no child or family is left behind.”
Mugeere further stressed the broader economic benefits: “This is not just about toilets. It’s about creating jobs, building skills, and ensuring every product meets high standards.”
Products Designed for Impact
SATO’s toilet pans are child-friendly, durable, and hygienic. They are specifically designed to reduce odours, limit flies, and minimise exposure to germs—helping to safeguard families, especially households with young children and the elderly.
Mugeere underlined the social impact of safe sanitation: “Safe sanitation is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right. It protects health, saves lives, and restores dignity. Through this partnership, we are working to make sure no family is left behind.”
SATO and Luuka Plastics reaffirmed their joint commitment to support the Government of Uganda’s sanitation targets and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6.2: achieving safe sanitation for all by 2030.
