“This is the Kampala we want: A clean, smart environment where we all take pride in our surroundings,”_ said Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, during the opening ceremony of the two-day cleaning campaign in Banda earlier this month.
His remarks resonated with the local residents as they gathered for the launch of the waste management initiative led by the Aliguma Foundation in collaboration with USAID, Tufts University, and Makerere University.
The initiative, aimed at improving the cleanliness of the neighborhoods and fostering long-term environmental sustainability, brought together residents of Banda's Acholi Quarters and Kamwokya's Kifumbira Zone.
With the theme "Reduce, Recycle, Reuse," the project, which was first officially launched in October, focuses on providing sustainable waste management solutions in Uganda's urban slums, where improper waste disposal and environmental degradation have been pressing issues.
Covering more areas
Professor Karen Jacobsen of Tufts University, who is also part of the organising team for the Environmental Defenders project, emphasised the importance of community involvement.
"This is just the beginning,” she said. “We are not only clearing plastic pollution but also laying the groundwork for more widespread efforts. We aim to expand this project to other areas like Bwaise and Nakawa, with the hope that it will inspire cleaner, healthier urban spaces across the country.”
The event’s goals went beyond just cleaning; it was about instilling long-term waste management practices in the community.
“We are not here to just clean; we are here to start a movement. A movement that will continue long after this campaign ends,” said Ritah Aliguma, CEO of Aliguma Foundation.
“We want to show that even in the most underserved areas like Banda and Kamwokya, collective action can lead to a significant positive change.”
Inclusive activity
During the two-day campaign, residents actively participated in various activities including garbage collection, clearing blocked drainage systems, and sorting recyclable materials. The emphasis was on the three Rs—Reduce, Recycle, Reuse. Local street teams were equipped with gloves, tools, and large bags for waste collection, ensuring a hands-on approach to environmental stewardship.
Henry Mukasa Ssempiri, the chairman of the Environment Defenders Project in Kamwokya, shared his thoughts on the significance of the campaign:
“Waste management has always been a challenge for us. Our drainage channels were often clogged with garbage, and the surroundings became unsightly. But now, through the knowledge and skills gained from this event, we have practical solutions for better waste management.”
As the event progressed, participants were educated on how to minimise waste production, sort recyclable materials, and repurpose items that would otherwise be discarded. Professor Jacobsen underscored the broader implications of poor waste management in slum areas.
Healthier living
“Unsustainable waste practices lead to public health crises, the spread of diseases, and environmental pollution. This campaign highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to urban development that integrates environmental sustainability into daily life.”
By the end of the two days, both Banda and Kamwokya had experienced a visible transformation. Streets, public spaces, and drainage systems were restored to a cleaner, more livable state.
A significant amount of waste was separated for recycling and repurposing, and there are plans to work with local recycling initiatives to ensure minimal waste ends up in landfills.
The success of the campaign was not only in the physical transformation of these communities but also in the empowerment of the residents, who now have a better understanding of sustainable waste management practices. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to cleaner and healthier communities in Uganda's urban centers.
As Minister Kyofatogabye concluded; “If we all take responsibility for our surroundings, we can make Kampala and other urban areas the beautiful, sustainable places we want to live in.”
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