Rwimi Town Council in Bunyangabu District has announced a zero-tolerance campaign against littering as part of efforts to improve sanitation and comply with the government’s National Cleaning Day initiative.
The move follows directives by Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja urging local governments to promote hygiene and environmental cleanliness across the country. Council officials say they are prepared to take tough enforcement measures against anyone found littering the town, which has increasingly been affected by indiscriminate disposal of plastic bottles and other waste by travellers along its busy transport routes.
To strengthen enforcement, the town council plans to deploy mobile teams, largely comprising boda-boda riders, to identify and apprehend littering offenders.
Rwimi Town Clerk James Mpanga said while many residents have embraced the new waste management system and are willing to pay for garbage collection services, a section of the public continues to dump waste illegally, particularly at night.Mpanga added that the council is considering introducing incentives, including paying residents for every kilogramme of plastic waste collected, to encourage proper waste disposal and recycling.
The initiative draws inspiration from Kasese Municipality, which has earned national recognition for its cleanliness. A delegation from Rwimi recently visited the municipality to learn from its waste management practices. Kasese Municipality Mayor Chance Kahindo said maintaining a clean environment has enhanced the municipality’s reputation and attracted leaders from other parts of the country seeking to replicate its success.
However, residents say enforcement alone will not solve the problem. Businessman Dalious Niwagaba urged the town council to prioritise the construction of public toilets, arguing that improved sanitation facilities are essential as the town’s population continues to grow.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Rwimi’s street vendors, Sadik Mawulid, supported the campaign but called for regular garbage collection services, saying delayed waste collection allows rubbish to accumulate and exposes the community to disease outbreaks. The council says it is exploring additional measures to ensure Rwimi remains clean while encouraging residents to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment. URN