Pader residents, security agencies lead town clean-up ahead of Tarehe Sita

12 January 2026, 4:33 pm

By Okwong Geoffrey

Security agencies in Pader District on Monday joined community members in a major town clean-up drive aimed at improving environmental hygiene ahead of the upcoming Tarehe Sita celebrations scheduled for 6 February.

The exercise, held at Pader Town Council, brought together personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force (UPF), Special Police Constables (SPCs), and local residents. Activities included sweeping streets and removing litter, particularly discarded kaveras and other debris.

Speaking after the exercise, Lt Col David Ahabwe Ntimba, representing the UPDF, said the initiative aimed to restore cleanliness and make the town more welcoming.

“Sweeping promotes better hygiene by removing dust and debris. Doing this regularly helps prevent disease and maintains a healthy environment,” Lt Col Ntimba said.

He encouraged participants to maintain the momentum beyond the exercise, noting that the activity also served as a reminder of the historical significance of this period, when President Yoweri Museveni led a small group of fighters during the liberation struggle.

The Officer in Charge of Pader Central Police Station, Jonathan Apuwae, who represented the police, commended all participants for their commitment to cleanliness.

“It is the responsibility of the public to respect and uphold the values of Tarehe Sita,” Apuwae said, adding that the clean-up will continue until 6 February, with further guidance expected from the UPDF on how the celebrations will be marked.

Fearless Kilama Wodacholi, the Urban Councillor III for Pader Town Council, praised the Special Police Constables for their active participation and urged them to embrace cleanliness even in their homes.

“As young people, we have a responsibility to protect our environment, our surroundings, and our security,” Kilama said.

He further appealed to the security leadership to consider absorbing the SPCs into the force once their three-month contracts expire, noting that their discipline and commitment could contribute to safeguarding the country.

Kilama also cautioned the SPCs to maintain good conduct, emphasising that recruitment and service records are now digitally stored and play a key role in determining future opportunities.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer of Pader, Catherine Amony said the clean-up was part of a series of community activities traditionally carried out by security agencies in partnership with the district during the Tarehe Sita period.

“This year, we have focused on environmental cleanliness to show the community that a clean environment helps prevent diseases,” Amony said.

She called on local authorities to replicate and enforce similar initiatives, citing recent guidelines from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, which designate the last Saturday of every month as a national cleaning day. She urged the town clerk to ensure the exercise becomes a regular practice.

The exercise concluded with Pader Town Council authorities presenting two he-goats as a token of appreciation to the UPDF and UPF for their participation.