LUBAGA,KAMPALA
Residents of Kawaala III Zone in Kasubi Parish, Lubaga Division, woke up to a major clean-up operation as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) extended its Weyonje Community Clean-Up Campaign to the area.
The Saturday exercise saw KCCA officials and residents join hands in a wide-ranging sanitation operation that included garbage collection, toilet emptying, waste sorting education, health inspections, community cleaning, and public sensitization on proper hygiene practices.
Leading the exercise, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi delivered a strong message on the importance of cleanliness, saying poor sanitation continues to fuel preventable diseases and unnecessary healthcare expenses.
“We are ensuring that all people in Kampala understand and adopt good cleaning habits. Cleanliness helps people remain healthy and reduces the amount of money they spend on treating preventable diseases,” Kigenyi said.
He noted that money saved from medical bills can instead be invested in income-generating activities and other development projects that improve the well-being of families and communities.
KIGENYI CRACKS THE WHIP ON GARBAGE DUMPER
Kigenyi challenged Kawaala residents to become champions of cleanliness by encouraging neighbors to keep their surroundings clean and sanitary.
He also urged the public to report individuals who dump garbage in drainage channels and unauthorized locations, warning that such practices are among the leading causes of flooding, environmental degradation, and disease outbreaks in Kampala.
“Every resident should become an agent of positive change. We must work together to keep Kampala clean by reporting those who dump waste in drainage systems and ungazetted areas,” he said.
The Deputy Executive Director further tasked local leaders, including councillors and chairpersons, with taking the lead in mobilizing residents and spreading the cleanliness message throughout their communities.
According to Kigenyi, local leaders are best placed to influence behavior and ensure sanitation standards are maintained at the grassroots level.
KCCA VOWS TO KEEP PRESSURE ON RESIDENTS
KCCA Director of Health Services Dr. Sarah Zalwango reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to promoting environmental cleanliness across Kampala.
She revealed that the Authority will continue conducting clean-up exercises and community sensitization campaigns to remind residents about the importance of maintaining clean surroundings.
“As KCCA, we shall not stop reminding people about the need to keep the environments where they live and work clean. A clean environment is essential for a healthy population,” Dr. Zalwango said.
She explained that improved sanitation plays a key role in preventing diseases and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.
Dr. Zalwango added that when fewer people fall sick, government spending on healthcare reduces, allowing more resources to be directed toward education, infrastructure, and economic development.
“Keeping our city clean benefits everyone. It helps stop the spread of diseases and allows government to channel resources into other important sectors that support national development,” she added.
KAMPALA CROWNED AS THE BEST ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION CITY
In a major boost for KCCA’s environmental efforts, Dr. Zalwango announced that Kampala has been recognized as Uganda’s best-performing city in environmental conservation and cleanliness.
She disclosed that the city received a prestigious environmental award from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), beating all other cities across the country.
According to Dr. Zalwango, the recognition is proof that KCCA’s environmental initiatives, especially the Weyonje Campaign, are making a visible impact.
“This award is evidence that our efforts are yielding results. It shows that the Weyonje initiative is being recognized and appreciated for the impact it is creating in communities,” she said.
The award has further strengthened KCCA’s determination to promote sustainable waste management and encourage a culture of cleanliness among Kampala residents.
