Residents of Jinja city on Thursday hailed UPDF’s efforts of cleaning up markets, health facilities and different streets in of commemoration Tarehe Sita (the army day).
They say that despite the monthly fee of 5,000 Shillings for collecting the garbage from their doorsteps, the garbage sacks are just dumped along the different streets, which contributes to poor sanitation in the city.
Ali Isabirye, a butcher along Main Street, says that the garbage dumped by the collectors contracted by the authorities along the verandas produces a bad odor, which scares away potential customers.
Ezra Naika, a fish vendor in Jinja central market, says that contractors are slow to collect garbage along the roads leading to the market, which risks the health and well-being of both vendors and their clients.
Vincent Ssemaganda, the L.C.1 chairperson of Aldina cell, who doubles as a garbage collector says that, Jinja city council should draft by-laws, enforcing garbage disposal, by fining those suspected of littering in the communities.
Ssemaganda notes that, the city is interconnected with both police and privately manned CCTV cameras, which can help track down suspects, implicated in garbage littering.
Samson Ssekiwano, a health assistant with the city’s southern division, says that the act of UPDF’s extensive cleanup of markets, streets and health facilities, has been key in sensitizing community members on occupational safety and health.
Ssekiwano argues that the public lags behind in maintaining proper sanitation largely due to lack of sensitization, however, with UPDF offering voluntary cleanup and direct engagements with communities, to foster mindset change and he is hopeful of grassroots-led improved sanitation drives.
On his part, the Busoga region UPDF cantonment commander, Col. Robert Ruteinama says that these social corporate activities in the different communities are key in building the spirit of togetherness and assurance of the army’s commitment towards fostering security.
This year’s “Tarehe Sita,” celebrations will be commemorated on the 06th, February, 2023, under the theme; “recognizing the sacrifice of the founders of the people’s revolution for social economic transformation.