Pader town shines as UPDF, police, and community unite for major cleaning exercise

13 January 2026, 05:52

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Pader Town Council witnessed a remarkable environmental transformation on Monday, January 12, 2026, as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Police, Political leaders, businesses, and community members joined forces for an intensive clean-up exercise.

Streets, the main market, and the town council premises were cleared of litter, polythene waste (kaveera), and debris, leaving the town spotless and setting a model for civic responsibility.

The initiative, part of the annual Tare Sita celebrations, exemplifies the powerful impact of coordinated community action on public health, environmental sustainability, and civic pride.

Ms. Amony Catherine, representing the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), praised the uniformed forces for their exemplary service in protecting public health through environmental care.

“We deliberately focused on ensuring that our environment is clean. A clean environment sets a good example for the community and helps prevent diseases,” she said.

Ms. Amony emphasized that the clean-up aligns with government policy, recalling the Permanent Secretary’s directive that the last Saturday of every month should be observed as a national cleaning day.

“I am confident that the Town Clerk and his team will ensure this becomes a continuous exercise,” she noted.

She also explained that as a token of appreciation, one goat was presented to the UPDF and one to the police, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.

Ms. Amony concluded with an appeal for peaceful elections and responsible civic behavior.

Mr. Okello Mark Lamson, Town Clerk of Pader Town Council, underscored that cleanliness and urban development go hand-in-hand.

“Development is not only about roads and buildings; it is about sanitation and order,” he said.

He stressed that proper garbage management, including removal of tuviras (polythene waste), reflects discipline, leadership, and respect for public health.

He urged all residents, businesses, and institutions to cooperate with the council, emphasizing that sustainable environmental management is a shared responsibility.

Business owners, particularly those in the town’s food sector, hailed the clean-up as transformative.

Ms. Betty Emaya, proprietor of Emaya Restaurant, described the dramatic improvement around her premises.

“Before today, waste used to scatter everywhere, even near my tables. Now, the street is clean and welcoming, which is excellent for our customers and business,” she said.

Similarly, Ms. Mego Alice Odida, Vice Chairperson of the Pader Business Community, highlighted the dramatic transformation of the main market.

“People can now sell and buy without encountering rubbish. A clean market benefits everyone,” she said.

Akello Agnes (Mama Edwin), who operates a restaurant in the market, called on the Town Council to sustain the initiative, ensuring that the town remains attractive, hygienic, and conducive for trade.

She further thanked the UPDF for their efforts, saying the main market now looks clean and her customers can enjoy meals in the restaurant without any challenges.

Hon. Samuel Odonga Otto , former legislator and Aruu County MP aspirant, personally participated in the clean-up, picking up roughly 40 kilograms of rubbish.

He emphasized the environmental hazards posed by polythene, which can take up to 200 years to decompose.

“This initiative should not just be a one-off event. We should adopt a model where communities clean their environment regularly, as Rwanda has done,” he said.

While highlighting civic duty, Hon. Otto also stressed that political activities and environmental responsibility must go hand-in-hand.

“The UPDF cannot be everywhere, but local leaders can roll out this campaign in villages. This initiative should be owned and sustained by the people themselves,” he noted.

Mayor Kilama Fearles Wodacholi, LCIII of Pader Town Council, addressed a unique group of young people involved in the exercise: the police constables recruited specifically for the election period.

He appealed to the UPDF to continue mentoring and supporting them to ensure they remain engaged and disciplined beyond the elections.

“After elections, where shall we keep these youth? They need guidance, discipline, and purpose. This clean-up is just the beginning,” he said.

Officer in Charge of Pader Police Station, Apuwae Jonathan, applauded the participants and confirmed that such exercises would continue under guidance from the UPDF.

Lt. Col. David Ntimba, Commanding Officer of the 12 Artillery Regiment, representing the UPDF, highlighted the environmental and public health benefits of the exercise.

“The sweeping removes dust and debris, maintaining a healthy and welcoming environment. Consistency is key; neglected areas quickly accumulate litter,” he said.

Lt. Col. Ntimba commended participants for reaching hard-to-access corners, emphasizing that environmental protection requires commitment, teamwork, and discipline.

He concluded by urging citizens to continue protecting their town, noting that “our gains cleanliness, unity, and discipline must be sustained by action, not just words.”

the UPDF from 5th Division Acholipii, Pader Police, local business owners, supporters of Hon. Odonga Otto, NRM supporters, and ordinary residents all worked together.

Streets, markets, and Pader town council premises were cleared of kaveera and other debris, leaving the town visibly healthier, more attractive, and safer.

Community leaders emphasized that the clean-up must become an ongoing practice, not a one-off event, encouraging adherence to national sanitation directives and fostering collective responsibility.

Beyond immediate aesthetics, the exercise underscores the importance of civic engagement and environmental stewardship in small towns like Pader.

Clean streets reduce disease, promote hygiene, attract investment, and instill civic pride.

By combining environmental awareness with youth engagement, leadership accountability, and disciplined security forces, Pader has created a applicable model of sustainable urban management.

Monday’s exercise in Pader Town is more than just a clean-up it is a symbol of what communities can achieve when government, security forces, businesses, and residents work together.

Pader now stands as a cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming town a shining example of how environmental initiatives can transform public spaces and public behavior.

With sustained commitment, the town is poised not only for a cleaner future but also for recognition as a model of environmental excellence in Uganda.