The Ministry of Health (MoH) has officially declared up to ten villages as Open Defecation Free (ODF) in the sub-counties of Atutur, Nyero, and Kanyumu. This important announcement was made public in a detailed report submitted to the District Health Officer's office on Monday, 17th February 2025. The report outlines the outcomes of an extensive initiative aimed at enhancing sanitation in the region, which is part of a phased approach under the National Community Led Total Sanitation implementation protocols.To achieve this status, the Soroti Catholic Diocese Development Organization (SOCADIDO) collaborated closely with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Water and Environment to conduct a national ODF verification exercise. This comprehensive assessment took place from 27th to 31st January 2025 and covered 14 villages spread across the three sub-counties of Atutur, Nyero, and Kanyumu.  The purpose was to gauge the level of sanitation and hygiene practices achieved in these areas. The findings within the report indicate that out of the 14 villages assessed, four failed to meet the ODF criteria. Specifically, Omukuna in Atutur Sub County, Kees, and Ootukolia in Kanyumu Sub County, as well as Omusai village in Nyero Sub County, were identified as not being ODF. Contributing factors included a significant number of households lacking proper latrine facilities, inadequate sharing of existing latrines among households, subpar handwashing practices with soap, and instances of open defecation occurring close to homes.  Dr. Ongala Emmanuel, the District Health Officer for Kumi, expressed his appreciation for the declaration made by the Ministry of Health, emphasizing that the achievement of even a single ODF village is a significant milestone, let alone ten. He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Water and Environment, which, through the Rural Support Centers, supports districts and partners in enhancing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services across the country, in line with established government policies, standards, and guidelines.  Furthermore, Dr. Ongala commended SOCADIDO for the impactful interventions they have implemented across the three sub-counties and urged them to consider expanding their activities to additional administrative units in need. He also highlighted the importance of collective efforts to ensure the sustainability of ODF status in the ten declared villages and prevent any potential backslide.  To bolster community efforts in improving sanitation and promoting public health, participatory approaches such as Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) have been adopted and put into practice. These methodologies empower communities to embrace positive hygiene behaviors, effectively combat open defecation, and encourage the construction of essential sanitation and hygiene facilities that will foster a healthier living environment for all residents.