Dokolo District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Babra Akech, has commended residents and security agencies for improved participation in the fourth National Cleaning Day, saying the exercise registered minimal resistance compared to previous activities.
Speaking during the cleaning exercise in Dokolo Town, Akech applauded the Police, Uganda Prisons Service, UPDF, local leaders, traders and members of the community for actively participating in the nationwide sanitation campaign.
She observed that unlike previous exercises, most business operators, boda boda riders and other town residents had embraced the initiative, with many already undertaking their daily activities in a cleaner environment without being compelled to participate.
Akech emphasized that National Cleaning Day should not be treated as a forced exercise but embraced as a daily responsibility, arguing that maintaining a clean environment is essential to protecting public health, improving productivity and reducing household poverty.
The RDC also urged residents to stop indiscriminate disposal of polythene bags and empty bottles, calling on the community to sustain the cleanliness achieved during the exercise.
She further tasked Dokolo Town Council authorities to ensure that waste collected during the exercise is promptly transported to designated disposal sites, noting that the town council remains the key implementing authority responsible for maintaining sanitation within the municipality.
Akech also highlighted the participation of students from Dokolo Progressive Secondary School, describing the involvement of young people as an important step towards sustaining the national sanitation campaign across generations.
Meanwhile, Moses Opio, a teacher at Dokolo Progressive Secondary School, said the school had mobilised its football team to participate in the cleaning exercise as part of its contribution to promoting patriotism and environmental responsibility.
Opio called upon other Ugandans, particularly students, to take personal responsibility for keeping their communities clean rather than leaving the task to government authorities.
Owera James, the school’s Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) President, also encouraged fellow students and academic institutions to translate their love for the country into practical action by participating in community sanitation activities.
The fourth National Cleaning Day brought together district leaders, security personnel, local leaders, students and community members in an effort to promote environmental cleanliness and strengthen public participation in sanitation initiatives.