Kenyan traders who had crossed to the Ugandan market at the Malaba border today (Monday, February 06) got excited upon seeing the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers freely interacting with civilians and cleaning the entire town.

Led by Lt Col D. Kabaale, about 40 soldiers from Rubongi Military Barracks were engaged in the massive cleanup of the town as part of the activities to mark Tarehe Sita.

They collected garbage in the market area, swept streets and unblocked drainage channels, especially on Koitangiro road.

One of the traders was amazed, saying it is hard for Kenyan soldiers to freely interact with civilians unless they are on a special mission.

Andrew Mugisha Orono, the Malaba town council LC3 chairperson, lauded the soldiers for the gesture, saying it helps in building the image of the forces.

Orono said owing to the limited resource envelope, the council has always been challenged in regularly collecting garbage and unblocking the drainage channels.

He said the gesture has improved the sanitation situation of the town.

He called upon the residents to embrace the idea of self-cleanliness beginning in their homesteads and business premises to avoid causing the outbreak of diseases related to poor hygiene and sanitation.

The 42nd Tarehe Sita national celebrations are being held today at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara city.