Pader town transformed as UPDF, Police and community clean together

13 January 2026, 05:52

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Pader Town Council underwent a notable environmental transformation on Monday, 12 January 2026, as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), police, political leaders, business operators 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 visibly cleaner and setting an example of civic responsibility.

The initiative, held as part of the annual Tare Sita celebrations, highlighted the positive impact of coordinated community action on public health, environmental sustainability and civic pride.

Ms Amony Catherine, representing the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), commended the uniformed forces for their exemplary contribution to safeguarding public health through environmental protection.

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

Ms Amony added that the clean-up exercise is in line with government policy, recalling a directive from the Permanent Secretary 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 that this becomes a continuous exercise,” she noted.

She added that, as a token of appreciation, one goat was presented to the UPDF and another to the police in recognition of their dedication and hard work.

Ms Amony concluded by appealing for peaceful elections and responsible civic behaviour.

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

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

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

He urged all residents, businesses and institutions to cooperate with the council, emphasising 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 for business,” she said.

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

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

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

She also thanked the UPDF for their efforts, noting that the main market now looks clean and her customers can enjoy meals in the restaurant without any problems.

Hon. Samuel Odonga Otto, former legislator and Aruu County MP aspirant, personally took part in the clean-up, collecting approximately 40 kilograms of rubbish.

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

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

While emphasising 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 the 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 participants in the exercise: 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 the 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, commended 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.

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

Lt. Col. Ntimba praised participants for reaching hard-to-access corners, emphasising 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 the 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 emphasised 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 highlights the importance of civic engagement and environmental stewardship in small towns like Pader.

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

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

Monday’s exercise in Pader Town was more than just a clean-up; it symbolised 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 behaviour.

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.