Abstract:
Sanitation infrastructure in climate-vulnerable regions presents significant public health
challenges, particularly when exacerbated by poor facility siting and limited community
engagement. This study develops a comprehensive climate-resilient decision-support approach
for optimal sanitation facility placement at Uganda's Kayanja Fish Landing Site in Kasese
District, an area characterized by unimproved sanitation. The research methodology integrates
three complementary approaches: advanced geospatial analysis, multi-criteria decision-making
(MCDM), and participatory community involvement. Geospatial assessment revealed
extensive flood vulnerability across Kayanja, with most existing latrines at high risk, while
simultaneously identifying viable zones for safer facility relocation. The MCDM model
synthesized critical environmental factors (soil permeability, groundwater depth), social
considerations (accessibility, affordability), and climate risks (flooding frequency and severity)
to identify optimal siting locations with favourable conditions for sustainable sanitation
infrastructure. Robust community surveys and statistical analysis revealed strong preferences
for individual household latrines and demonstrated that participatory approaches significantly
enhanced facility acceptance, consistent usage, and long-term sustainability. Results validate
that the framework effectively mitigates risks from extreme weather events, reduces
contamination of water sources, and strengthens overall infrastructure resilience. Key
recommendations include: prohibiting construction in high-risk flood zones, implementing
elevated or flood-resistant designs such as raised biodigesters in waterlogged areas, and
conducting targeted community workshops to promote climate-adaptive maintenance
practices. This study makes a significant contribution to both Uganda's Vision 2040 and
Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by providing a replicable
decision-support tool for resilient sanitation planning in developing regions. By successfully
integrating technical resilience with social equity considerations, the framework offers a
practical model for sustainable sanitation infrastructure that addresses the interconnected
challenges of climate adaptation and public health in vulnerable communities
