Tugume Muzafaru | Rubirizi District — Students from Archbishop Bakyenga Vocational School have teamed up with local leaders and residents in a community clean-up exercise aimed at improving sanitation and promoting a healthier environment in Katerera Town Council in Rubirizi District.
The clean-up campaign involved activities such as collecting garbage, slashing overgrown grass, and cleaning streets within the town. The initiative forms part of the school’s corporate social responsibility efforts to give back to the community where the institution operates.
Speaking during the exercise, the Headteacher of Archbishop Bakyenga Vocational School, Mr. Byamukama Sperito, said the school is committed to supporting community development initiatives, especially those that promote public health and environmental conservation.
He emphasized that maintaining a clean environment is essential in preventing disease outbreaks.
“A healthy mind in a healthy body in a healthy environment is key to preventing diseases,” Mr. Byamukama said.
He added that the school’s initiative seeks not only to maintain cleanliness in Katerera Town but also to encourage residents to adopt a culture of hygiene and healthy living.
The LC1 Chairperson of Katerera Town, Ms. Anet Ahimbisibwe, commended the students for supporting local efforts to address the growing garbage problem in the trading center.
She noted that the clean-up campaign has greatly supported local businesses by improving sanitation around markets and streets.
Ms. Ahimbisibwe also called upon residents and business owners to maintain cleanliness in the town, stressing that Katerera is a key business hub where many families earn a living to support their children’s education.
She further appealed to government and security agencies to help address the challenge of street children who are sometimes involved in improper waste disposal.
Meanwhile, the Town Clerk of Katerera Town Council, Mr. Mahesi John, said the council continues to face challenges in garbage management due to the high cost of hiring tractors for waste collection.
According to Mr. Mahesi, the council collects more than 30 tractor trips of garbage every month, which places a heavy financial burden on the local government.
He therefore called for greater community participation in keeping the town clean to reduce waste accumulation.
Mr. Mahesi also revealed that the government has directed all towns and cities across the country to conduct weekly clean-up exercises every Saturday as part of the national “Burungi Bwansi” initiative.
He said leaders in Katerera have begun mobilizing Local Council leaders and the business community to actively participate in the exercise.
However, he warned that individuals and businesses that fail to comply with the government directive on sanitation may face fines and legal action.
Local leaders expressed optimism that continued cooperation between schools, residents, and authorities will help maintain a cleaner and healthier Katerera Town.
