Masindi municipality launches garbage-free campaign ahead of AFCON 2027
Dubbed 'Keep Masindi Municipality Clean for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027', the initiative aims at tackling the long-standing sanitation issues in preparation for Uganda co-hosting the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Masindi Municipal authorities during the procession in Masindi Town. (Credit: Yosam Gucwaki)
MASINDI - After years of battling foul-smelling garbage heaps at various illegal collection points in Masindi Municipality, authorities have launched a campaign to keep the municipality clean.
Dubbed 'Keep Masindi Municipality Clean for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027', the initiative aims at tackling the long-standing sanitation issues in preparation for Uganda co-hosting the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The campaign kicked off with an awareness procession by leaders and technocrats through Masindi town, followed by the immediate clearing of all illegal dumping sites during a launch event at Kijura Market in Masindi Central Division.
Tonnes of accumulated garbage, which in some areas had blocked roads for years, were collected and transported to the gazetted disposal site at Kikwana composite plant in Nyangahya Division.
Masindi Municipality has received sh500m, which is part of the sh5b allocation to ensure the town's cleanliness.
During the launch, wastebins were distributed to various stakeholders, including market vendors, restaurant owners, and shop owners for proper garbage storage until municipal trucks collect the garbage.
Masindi Municipality Town Clerk Paul Omoko noted that the campaign extends beyond AFCON.
Omoko announced the closure of all illegal dumping sites and advised residents to manage their waste responsibly.
"Our vehicles will be moving routinely to collect the garbage generated. If one is unable to stay with it, they should pay someone to dump it at the Kikwana composite plant, a designated area, and pay the transporter," he advised.
He added that scouts would be deployed to monitor closed areas, with violators facing arrest and charges.
Rogers Amanyire, the Mayor of Masindi Municipality, pledged to prioritise and fully implement initiatives concerning public well-being such as garbage management.
"We have launched this campaign as one way of restoring sanity and the good image of Masindi town and the municipality at large. In my term, the issue of garbage is going to be addressed. But let everyone play their role in cleaning our town," Amanyire said, adding that they also have plans to ban sugarcane trucks from going through Masindi town.
He called for community support to make Masindi a model municipality in garbage management.
Francis Biryetega, the chairperson of Katama cell, welcomed the initiative, noting the long-standing health risks from uncollected garbage.
Grace Bingi, the chairperson of Kijura Market Vendors' Association, also endorsed the campaign but stressed the need for adequate enforcement.
Francis Businge, the Senior Town Clerk of Masindi Central Division, affirmed that sensitisation efforts would be intensified, and strict enforcement measures implemented.
"We are going to be very strict on enforcement. I am requesting you to follow the guidelines put in place because whoever is arrested will be subjected to a fine of sh2m," Businge said.
Denis Kunihira, the president Masindi Municipality Development Forum, challenged the community members to take on the campaign, saying without them being responsible, nothing can be achieved.
"Everyone should keep an eye on each other. Collective effort will help us manage garbage and make Masindi a model municipality," said Kunihira.
Godfrey Mirimo, a resident of Masindi town, highlighted the importance of garbage sorting, explaining that two types of waste bins; green for biodegradables and blue for non-biodegradables- have been procured.
"Proper garbage management addresses different health risks. Most of the diseases we are grappling with are preventable, but this can be achieved if garbage is well managed," he said.
Isa Balinda, another resident, said garbage in some places had spent over 15 years without being collected, and challenged residents to take personal responsibility as far as garbage management is concerned.