Ugandan schools are set to benefit from a groundbreaking upgrade to the Keti AI Chatbot, a digital tool originally designed under the Dettol Hygiene Quest programme. The new version gives teachers and administrators unprecedented freedom to customise and manage school performance data according to their unique needs.
Developed by Chil AI in partnership with Reckitt, the upgraded chatbot moves beyond its initial role of promoting hygiene awareness. Schools can now set their own key performance indicators, track lesson delivery, monitor student attendance, and even design tailored reports all without heavy paperwork.
For educators, the impact is already tangible. In Kanungu District, Brain Giant Nursery and Primary headteacher Augustino Natukunda says the chatbot now supports teachers by instantly providing content and embedding hygiene topics into daily lessons. In Ibanda District, Catherine Atuhire of Honest Model Primary explains that the bot enables teachers to flag issues with water and sanitation facilities in real time, while also helping detect absenteeism patterns among pupils.
The system’s flexibility extends beyond data management. New features include voice commands, multilingual support, and instant lesson plan feedback allowing teachers to see where they scored well or need improvement
Importantly, the chatbot upgrade was designed with privacy in mind. All data collection and storage processes comply with Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act of 2019, ensuring that schools remain in control and that information cannot be misused. Developers stress that consent, transparency, and security are built into the system.
Dr. Shamim Nabuuma, the lead behind the initiative, describes the upgrade as a step toward making digital tools genuine partners in education. “We wanted to create something that goes beyond teaching hygiene something that strengthens schools’ ability to measure progress and act on evidence,” she explained.
With education officials and teachers embracing the new features, the Keti chatbot is positioning itself as more than just a hygiene tool. It is quickly becoming a practical ally for schools striving to balance classroom teaching, data management, and accountability in Uganda’s evolving education landscape.