RUBIRIZI, UGANDA – Students from Archbishop Bakyenga Vocational School, in partnership with local leaders and residents, have conducted a massive sanitation campaign in Katerera Trading Centre, located in Katerera Town Council, Rubirizi District.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The exercise, which saw participants clearing garbage, slashing overgrown grass, and sweeping the main streets, was aimed at fostering a healthier environment and giving back to the community.
Spearheading the initiative, the Headteacher of Archbishop Bakyenga Vocational School, Mr. Byamukama Sperito, emphasized the school’s commitment to community development.
He remarked that giving back through sanitation is part of their corporate social responsibility, as a clean environment is essential for a healthy mind and body in preventing diseases.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. A healthy mind exists in a healthy body, and a healthy body thrives in a healthy environment. This is key in preventing diseases,” Mr. Byamukama said.
He added that the school’s broader initiative is designed to not only maintain the town’s cleanliness but also to actively promote a healthy lifestyle among the students and the residents they serve.
The LC1 Chairperson of Katerera village cell, Ms. Anet Ahimbisibwe, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the students of Archbishop Bakyenga for their invaluable support in helping local businesses and addressing the town’s persistent garbage issues.
She urged residents and business owners to take full ownership of the town’s hygiene, emphasizing that Katerera is a business hub where many families earn their living to pay school fees.
The chairperson also raised concerns about the involvement of street children in waste management and appealed to the government, police, parents, and the entire community for support in keeping the town clean.
“I want to thank the students of Archbishop Bakyenga for stepping in to help our local businesses and address the persistent garbage issues we face. Katerera is a business hub where many families earn their living to pay school fees. I appeal to parents and the entire community to support our efforts to keep our town clean,” Ms. Anet remarked.
The Town Clerk of Katerera Town Council, Mr. Mahesi John, revealed that the council collects over 30 trips of garbage monthly, though the process is hampered by the exorbitant costs of hiring a tractor.
He stressed that cooperation from everyone is essential and called on the community to work with the council to overcome this significant challenge.
“Cooperation from everyone is essential. We are doing our best, but the high costs of hiring a tractor are a significant challenge. We need the community to work with us,” Mahesi said.
Mr. Mahesi reminded the public of the government directive mandating a clean-up exercise every Saturday, noting that local leaders are actively mobilizing the business community to participate.
He further issued a stern warning that non-compliance will not be tolerated, emphasizing that keeping the town clean is for the good of all, Burungi Bwansi, and that those who defy the directives will face fines and legal action.
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