In October, the Sanitation Action Research Project – Kampala brought together pit emptiers from the Gulper Association of Uganda (GUA), a national body representing Gulper operators across Uganda, for intensive hands-on training on the operations and maintenance of Pit Vaq technology.
Learning from the Best
The research team and participating enterprises had an extraordinary opportunity to learn directly from Dave Still, the inventor of the Pit Vaq machine and representative of Partners in Development. The field-based training approach ensured participants not only understood the technical aspects but could confidently apply their knowledge in real-world conditions, marking a significant step forward in professionalizing pit emptying services in our community.
For years, pit emptying in Kampala has been dominated by hazardous manual methods. Workers would physically enter pit latrines with buckets and shovels, a practice that is not only illegal but also exposes them to serious health risks including infectious diseases, toxic gases, and potential drowning. These unsafe conditions have long stigmatized the profession while limiting the scale and efficiency of sanitation services across the city.
The Technology Revolution
The introduction of innovative manual emptying technologies, the Pit Vaq, Pupu Pump, and Gulper marks a paradigm shift in how pit emptying can be conducted. These tools enable workers to empty pit latrines mechanically from the surface, eliminating the need for anyone to enter the pit. Beyond safety, these technologies offer:
- Enhanced efficiency: Serving more households in less time
- Improved hygiene: Reducing direct contact with faecal waste
- Greater dignity: Professionalizing a sector long marginalized by unsafe practices
- Better accessibility: Lightweight and affordable, making them suitable for Kampala’s dense, hard-to-reach informal settlements
Through the Faecal Sludge Management Action Research Project (FSM ARP), this training represents a critical step toward formalizing and professionalizing Kampala’s sanitation sector. The enthusiastic participation and commitment from Gulper Association members demonstrated that innovation is not just welcomed, it’s already taking root. By equipping sanitation entrepreneurs with safer, more efficient tools and proper training, Sanitation Action Research is laying the foundation for a sustainable sanitation economy that protects workers, serves communities effectively, and contributes to Kampala’s broader public health goals.
A Collaborative Effort
This transformative training was made possible through strong multi-stakeholder partnerships. We extend our sincere gratitude to Partners in Development, the lead research partner whose expertise and innovation drove this groundbreaking initiative; SWARS-IC, the implementing partner for the Sanitation Action Research project, whose technical coordination and on-ground execution brought the training to life; Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which plays a crucial role in regulating pit emptier operations and ensuring safe, hygienic practices across the city; and Opero Services, for their invaluable support and commitment to advancing sanitation innovation in Kampala. Their collaboration demonstrates the power of collective action in building a healthier, more dignified future for all residents.
We’re calling on all organizations and enterprises within the sanitation sector to embrace technologies like the Pit Vaq, Pupu Pump, and Gulper. The health of our communities depends on it. Modern solutions like the Pit Vaq aren’t just about efficiency,they’re about dignity, safety, and public health.
Join us in driving innovation forward. Together, we can transform sanitation services in Kampala and beyond.
Interested in learning more about improved sanitation technologies? Contact us to discover how your organization can be part of this transformation.
