Arua Leaders Push Bylaw to Sustain Government’s National Cleaning Drive
Patriotism club members turned up for the cleaning exercise on Saturday morning
Local leaders in Ayivu Division, Arua City, are calling for the enactment of a bylaw to strengthen enforcement of the government’s monthly National Cleaning Exercise, saying it is the only way to turn the campaign into a lasting culture rather than a one-day event.
The National Cleaning Exercise is a nationwide community clean-up campaign introduced by the government, where citizens suspend their normal activities every last Saturday of the month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to clean public spaces, unblock drainage channels, and properly dispose of waste.
During the launch of the exercise in Ayivu Division on Saturday, July 25, leaders said legislation at the local level would ensure the campaign continues beyond public sensitization and becomes a legally supported community responsibility.
Adalafu Ward Councilor Gift Ayikobua said the proposed bylaw would give the division the authority to enforce participation while also allowing the council to allocate funds for the monthly exercise.
“We expect the council to pass a bylaw that will help sustain this exercise. With legal backing, we shall also be able to budget for these activities so that keeping our environment clean becomes a continuous effort,” Ayikobua said.
Ayivu Division Deputy Mayor Joseph Afeti said the division is fully committed to pushing the proposed legislation through the council, noting that a clean environment is essential for the health and well-being of residents.
“Our environment is still not as clean as it should be. We hope to sustain this programme through a bylaw while continuing to educate communities on why everyone must take responsibility for cleanliness,” Afeti said.
He added that stronger enforcement, coupled with public awareness, would help residents appreciate the environmental and health benefits of maintaining clean neighbourhoods.
The Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Ayivu Division, Mbigitti Jonah Godfrey, described the nationwide launch of the campaign as an important step in promoting public health and preventing sanitation-related diseases.
He said lasting success would depend on communities embracing cleanliness as a personal responsibility rather than waiting for government enforcement.
“We need to develop a culture of responsibility. If every resident takes ownership of their surroundings, supported by local bylaws, we shall greatly reduce diseases associated with poor sanitation,” Mbigitti said.
The Senior Communications Officer for Arua City, Dorothy Anguparu, welcomed the government’s initiative and urged residents to actively participate in every monthly clean-up exercise.
“We want a clean Arua City every day, and that can only be achieved with the support and participation of the community,” she said.
Health experts have consistently linked poor sanitation to the spread of preventable diseases. According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 75 percent of illnesses reported in Uganda are preventable and are associated with poor hygiene and sanitation, including malaria, diarrhoea, and typhoid.