SIMPSON M
In the early hours of Friday, 2nd May 2025, the streets of Rukungiri Municipality were swept into a new era of civic responsibility as members of the Rukungiri Municipality Youth Development SACCO, spearheaded by their patron Councilor Isaac Atukunda, launched a community-centered campaign aimed at tackling the growing sanitation crisis in the town.
With spades, brooms, and a collective sense of urgency, the youth moved through the town, clearing heaps of garbage and kickstarting the Keep Rukungiri Municipality Clean initiative. The campaign, according to its organizers, goes beyond cleaning streets. It seeks to reshape public attitudes toward littering and promote proper waste management in a bid to secure better public health outcomes.
Councilor Isaac Atukunda, who officiated the campaign launch, emphasized that the mission is not only to remove visible waste but to instill a deeper sense of environmental responsibility among residents.
Atukunda stressed that the long-term goal is a “Smart Town” where residents actively participate in keeping their surroundings clean. He appealed to the public to respect the work of street cleaners and advocated for better support, including more cleaning tools and resources.
Principal Community Development Officer for Rukungiri Municipality, John Bosco Twesigomwe, officially flagged off the campaign. He used the moment to rally support for the youth’s effort and urged every individual to take ownership of their immediate environment.
Twesigomwe echoed the point that garbage is not the responsibility of municipal workers alone, noting that the first line of defense against unsanitary conditions begins with the individual’s behavior.
Muhwezi Innocent, chairperson of the Youth SACCO, reminded participants that the campaign is an extension of their dedication to community health and a tribute to Councilor Isaac, who helped form the SACCO in June 2024 with a UGX 5 million contribution.
Innocent acknowledged the grim reality of poor waste disposal in many parts of the town and warned about the direct connection between such conditions and disease outbreaks. He stated that their choice to clean the town rather than host a celebratory event was deliberate and meant to draw attention to an often overlooked issue.
SACCO member Nimuaiima Unise added her voice, specifically calling out the widespread use of kavera (polythene bags), which continue to block drainage systems and pollute the environment. She urged every resident to keep a litter bin on their premises and store waste safely for collection.
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