Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) together with the Pamoja Foundation have cleaned the Nakawa market in Kampala.
The force also availed free medical and clinical services to market traders and other residents in the precincts of the market to strengthen its corporate social responsibility role with the masses.
This was a result of an earlier partnership the army entered with a pro-people, non-profit-making Non-Governmental Organisation, known as the Pamoja Foundation.
Speaking as chief guest at the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activity, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye the Minister of Kampala Metropolitan Affairs emphasized the need for “Pamoja” (oneness) in what people do.
He explained that while human nature was created in some kind of binary makeup with most of the body parts in pairs, the heart is not only hidden but one and can only find the other heart to make a pair by seeking someone else’s heart to be whole and comfortable.
“That is why the NRM fought for peace as its pedestal on which any other kind of development stems. We need to replace the darkness in our hearts with love for us to be able to grow, choosing light like the NRM party dissipates for Uganda,” Hon. Kyofatogabye explained.
The Minister further noted that after bolstering peace in the country, UPDF is now involved in other activities such as infrastructural development where the government is saving a lot of money it used to lose to corrupt officers that contracted private companies on condition of kickbacks.
He called on all Ugandans to ensure cleanliness both physical and from the heart, saying cleanness starts from your home to the workplace. “A clean home will ensure a clean market/workplace,” he reiterated.
He enjoined the market dwellers to learn the habit of saving and join all programs pronounced by the Government such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga. He also called on everyone to register NIRA and begin to live comfortably in his or her small enterprises.
On his part, Col Sam Ntambirwe, the UPDF Deputy Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), who led a 120-man strong representation of the UPDF in the CIMIC activity praised UPDF for the much it has done to bring Uganda to be the modicum of peace.
He said UPDF can now engage in productive activities to foster greater harmony in the country on top of protecting the sovereignty of Uganda.
He warned that people need greater cohesion to fight common enemies and explained that if an epidemic attacks the area, it does not do so selectively.
Col Ntambirwe underscored the need for environmental security to be everyone’s concern. “You don’t preserve the environment, you leave yourself bare and susceptible to many other problems that will slow down development,” he said.
He pledged UPDF’s continued participation with Pamoja in both good and challenging times.
Mr. Bruce Musimenta, the Executive Director of Pamoja International, a Kawempe-based NGO explained at length the values of Pamoja International at the core of which are: the promotion of unity, peace, love, socio-economic development and patriotism.
He applauded the corporate organisation that supported the inaugural Pamoja activity with their physical presence, materials and financial support.
“Pamoja partnered with UPDF to give back to the people by giving community service that included physical cleaning of the market, medical camp, masks and gloves,” Mr Musimenta recounted.
“A community with love is peaceful and united. We are proud of the UPDF for welcoming us, embracing our idea and working with us for three consecutive days, here at Nakawa,” the ED added.
He prayed that the corporate organisations continue to support Pamoja activities to involve more youths scattered all over the country. “We don’t fight but work hard to support the ruling Government in community-based activities,” Mr Musimenta concluded.
The UPDF 1 Infantry Division spokesman Maj Charles Kabina noted that Pamoja’s values resonate with the values of the UPDF as a pro-people army, that cherishes Peace, Love, Unity and Socio-Economic Development.
He related the day’s activity to the activities of the Tarehe Sita week and praised the organisation for towing the UPDF line in its activities.
A guest speaker, Rev. Canon (Rtd) Diana Mirembe Nkesiga of Kampala Anglican Diocese, preached genuine love. She warned people in positions of responsibility at all levels against self-honour. “There is too much hate in Uganda. People hate others, some of whom they do not even know. Leaders should be the examples of love ass no one is better than the other merely because of the positions they hold,” she warned.
The Retired Canon encouraged women to rise and know their mighty force to bring about change as kingpins of their respective families. She appealed to all women and mothers to have self-love, love their children, and families and feed well to keep the doctors away.
She advised them to find ways to recycle biodegradable market waste into useful materials such as composite and manure. “Things have happened to us in life as women but we should never let them define who we are,” she advised.
The market clean-up activity attracted several corporate organisations that offered different free technical services to the people. Among them URA, NIRA, Victoria Hospital, Equal Opportunities Commission, Nakasero Blood Bank, Uganda Heart Institute, MUBS, UBC, PEPSI, KCCA, Kyambogo University, MUBS Namiryango SS, Mbuya Parents Primary School, among many others.
The function was attended by Col Bernard Tuhame UPDF 1Division Operations and Training Officer (DOTO), Lt Col Jembe Ssejjemba Deputy Overall Operations Commander (TOKORA Operations) and Maj Cyprian Magezi Operations PC TOKORA, among others.
