KUMI — Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged Ugandans to make cleanliness a personal responsibility, saying the national cleaning exercise should extend beyond collecting rubbish to the way people care for their bodies, homes, relationships and environment.
Kaziimba made the call on Saturday while joining residents of Kumi in a community cleaning exercise at Odero Market along the Kumi–Soroti Highway.
The Archbishop said the campaign should not be reduced to removing plastic bags, commonly known as kaveera, and other waste from public spaces.
“Cleaning should go beyond picking kaveera and rubbish. It should extend to our bodies and what we store in our minds,” Kaziimba said.
He linked cleanliness to personal wellbeing and social relationships, arguing that neglect of hygiene can affect families and communities in ways that are not immediately visible.
“Even marriages are breaking down because each person is accusing the other of being dirty,” he said.
Kaziimba encouraged Ugandans to embrace the principle that cleanliness is associated with godliness and to take responsibility for maintaining clean homes, workplaces and communities.
He said the responsibility for a clean Uganda should not be left to government agencies or local authorities, but should begin with individuals.
The Archbishop also called on communities to take greater responsibility for the environment by planting trees and protecting natural resources.
He urged Ugandans to become “one another’s keepers” by promoting responsible environmental practices and encouraging others to maintain clean surroundings.
The cleaning exercise brought together religious, government and community leaders, including the Bishop of Kumi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Okwii Esakan; Kumi Deputy Resident District Commissioner James Small Chemutai; Dr John Ekure, Director of Kumi Orthopaedic Hospital and a member of the Board of the National Environment Management Authority; and Assistant Commissioner of Police Canon Barbara Alungat, President of the Lions Club of Kumi.
Residents also participated in the exercise at Odero Market, joining a nationwide campaign intended to improve sanitation and environmental management.
The Government of Uganda designated the last Saturday of every month as National Cleaning Day, with communities expected to undertake organised cleaning activities.
The initiative is intended to encourage citizens to take greater responsibility for sanitation, waste management and environmental protection.