By Avraham Ben Avraham

In the heart of Mukono, Central Ugandan district, lies the Tzyon Beit HaMitzvot Jewish community, a thriving Sephardi congregation deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Known for its vibrant religious practices, active women’s commitment, and an energetic younger generation, the community has grown in strength over the years. However, like many developing Jewish communities in Africa, it has faced significant infrastructural challenges—one of the most pressing being inadequate sanitation.

For years, the community’s only toilet facility had fallen into a state of neglect. The structure, initially constructed with minimal resources, had endured significant wear and tear, rendering it both unsanitary and unsafe. This issue had a significant impact on women, children, and the elderly, who faced challenges due to the absence of adequate hygiene facilities. The community recognized that without a solution, the situation could lead to health hazards, discomfort, and even discourage full participation in communal activities.

Faced with this urgent need, Sarah Nakintu, leader of the Shalom Women’s Development Network (SWORN) and an advocate for community development, took action. Understanding that sanitation is a fundamental aspect of dignity, health, and Jewish life, she reached out to Kulanu, an international organization dedicated to supporting returning, isolated and emerging Jewish communities worldwide.

Kulanu’s Role in the Renovation Project

Since its creation 3 decades ago, Kulanu has long been committed to assisting Jewish communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, helping them with education, digital technology, infrastructure, food security, and religious support. When Nakintu, who is currently the acting vice president of the Sub-Saharan African Jewish Alliance (SAJA) presented the dire need for a renovated sanitation facility at Tzyon Beit HaMitzvot, Kulanu responded with generosity and a clear understanding of the community’s needs.

The renovation project, funded by Kulanu, carried out the following :

• Dismantling of the old toilet
• Rebuild and elevated the toilet structure to make it safe and durable.
• Upgrade the sanitation system to improve hygiene and health conditions.
• Build a fence to secure the area

How interesting and commendable to note that community members, including men, women, and youth, actively participated in the re-building project, working together to transform the space. The renovation was not just about improving a physical structure—it was about uplifting the community and restoring dignity to its members.

The impact of the renovated toilet facility was immediate and profound. Women, who previously faced great difficulty in using the dilapidated facility, expressed relief and gratitude. For the younger generation, the project was also a lesson in community responsibility. The renovation fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the youth, who are now more motivated to contribute to future projects aimed at strengthening their community.

“This is more than just a toilet renovation—it is a transformation of our daily lives,” shared one of the women in the community. “For years, we endured unsanitary conditions, but today, we stand with pride knowing that we have a proper facility that respects our dignity.”

Beyond convenience, the new facility has also played a crucial role in improving overall health to an extent within the community. It is necessary to have proper sanitation in order to prevent the transmission of diseases, and the improved hygienic conditions have resulted in a reduction in the risk of infections, particularly among youngsters and the individuals who are elderly. A significant amount of importance is placed on cleanliness in Jewish practice, both in terms of one’s bodily and spiritual life.

The Jewish halakhot places a strong emphasis on maintaining a clean living environment, washing one’s hands before praying, and observing ritual purity before praying. Tzyon Beit Hamitzvot is now in a better position to sustain these traditions, since the new sanitation facility has made it possible for the Jewish community to ensure that religious and communal activities take place in an environment that is both healthier and more respectful.

“Judaism teaches us the importance of cleanliness and dignity. With this new facility, we can now fully embrace these values in our daily lives,” said one of the women from the synagogue.”

Women Leading the Way

The success of this project clearly shows the critical role that women play in community development.  Once again— through a coordinated effort that achieved the intended result— it has been demonstrated that when women take the lead, ultimately, entire communities benefit. From initiating the conversation with Kulanu to overseeing the completion of the renovation, their leadership was instrumental in making the project become a reality.

“As women, we understand the struggles our families face daily. We knew that if we did not take action, the situation would continue to worsen. Now, we have a solution, and we are proud of what we have achieved together.”

The Shalom Women’s Development Network headed by Nakintu has been at the forefront of various initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of Jewish women and families in Uganda. Their work goes beyond sanitation—spanning areas such as girls education, economic empowerment, Jewish children camping, inter-faith, public speaking, and vocational training. Through this toilet renovation project, this women-inspired project have not only improved hygiene conditions but also set a precedent for future community-driven initiatives.

The Future of Tzyon Beit HaMitzvot

The success of the toilet renovation project has sparked discussions about further development initiatives. In the wake of things, the need to leverage support for rebuilding their Jewish community has to be prioritize. With improved sanitation now in place, the community is looking ahead to other critical needs, such as:

1. Improving access to clean water through boreholes as there is currently none in the community as it relies on an underground water source at the foot of the valley.
2. Enhancing infrastructure for Jewish learning and religious practice, such as reinforcing the current synagogue building, an improved kosher kitchen, and guest apartment.
3. Installation of solar-powered lights to lit up the shul and around it.
4. Getting fully started on its ongoing bakery community project.

The completed toilet project has shown that small yet meaningful infrastructure improvements can create lasting change in Jewish communities not just in Uganda but across Africa. By working with organizations like Kulanu and empowering local leaders, isolated and emerging Jewish communities can overcome challenges and continue to thrive. In another charity intervention by Kulanu, we saw how solar electrification is powering Hebrew learning and strengthening Judaism in Eastern Nigeria, West Africa.

One of the quickest things to notice upon visiting the community in Mukono, is the strong unity and energy shown by the women group. A majority of them are part of the founding members of the congregation since they began their return to Judaism as a group. Since then, they have remained committed and resilient as their new community pass through rough phases of growth. Their recent collective push to rescue the dilapidating sanitation system have paved the way for future initiatives, proving that advocacy, determination, and collaboration can bring about tangible change. Thanks to Kulanu’s support, Tzyon Beit HaMitzvot now has a stronger foundation—both literally and figuratively—upon which to build a healthier and brighter future.