Oyam Town Council Joins Uganda’s National Cleanliness Campaign Amid Waste Management Concerns

25 July 2026, 9:54 am

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Oyam Town Council has officially joined the nationwide effort to promote hygiene and environmental protection through the National Cleanliness Campaign.

Early this morning, residents woke up to participate in the exercise, with all shops closed and movement of vehicles and motorcycles restricted until 10 a.m. Pupils of Anyek Primary School, led by Rev. Canon Robert Edinga, Archdeacon of Oyam Urban Archdeaconry, and Teacher Emma Oleke, actively took part in the campaign.

During the launch, Denish Anyeki, LC3 Chairperson of Oyam Town Council, explained that the initiative was introduced by government to address poor sanitation across the country. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining the program at the end of every month, describing it as vital for improving cleanliness in Uganda, which he noted has long struggled with waste management compared to other East African nations.

Rev. Canon Robert Edinga highlighted the importance of the campaign, stressing that poor hygiene contributes to widespread diseases and deaths. He urged residents not to wait for designated campaign days but to clean their surroundings daily. He further called on town authorities to prioritize digging rubbish pits and encouraged the community to reduce unnecessary use of polythene bags to protect the environment.

Sam Owili, LC1 Chairperson of Teduka Cell, Eastern Ward, praised the government for introducing the program. He recalled that in other countries, improper disposal of waste attracts fines, and expressed hope that Uganda’s adoption of similar measures would lead to a cleaner environment.

Pupils Atworo Prisca and Ekwaro Brian from Anyek Primary School said they joined the campaign to help reduce the spread of diseases and promote hygiene in their community.

SP Sydney Aiokoko, the District Police Commander of Oyam, commended the successful start of the exercise, noting that a clean environment is essential for healthy living. He congratulated stakeholders for their voluntary participation and warned that anyone discouraging residents from joining the campaign would face arrest. He added that so far, no complaints of defiance had been reported.

This initiative marks a significant step in Oyam Town Council’s commitment to public health and environmental protection, with leaders, schools, churches, and residents working together to ensure a cleaner and healthier community.