Youth group launches city clean-up campaign to restore green spaces

9 January 2026, 11:08 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

In a bid to restore a green environment through tree and grass planting, a group of young people under the initiative Love Uganda has launched a city clean-up campaign, particularly in the city centre, where grass and walkways were damaged during the Christmas festivities.

Speaking to journalists in Kampala yesterday, members of the group said the initiative was inspired by the need to encourage young people to take environmental protection seriously. They noted that many youths overlook conservation, yet a clean environment is essential for fresh air and healthy living.

Rachel Natukunda, a member of the Love Uganda initiative, said the group’s mission is to clean the city and ensure that green spaces are protected and maintained.

“Our mission is to clean the city and ensure the environment is protected and the green grass is maintained. Many young people are reluctant to engage in such activities, yet our lives depend on the environment. If we neglect it and allow gas emissions to take over, our health and lifespan will suffer,” Natukunda said.

She added that the group focuses on planting trees and grass in the city centre, emphasising that a healthy environment contributes to a prosperous population.

“You cannot remain wealthy for long if the environment you live in is not healthy,” she said.

Natukunda further noted that some people do not understand the importance of environmental conservation.

“Some people do not realise that cutting down trees affects the fresh air we breathe. Through this initiative, we aim to educate the public on the importance of keeping the environment clean and engaging in climate change mitigation. We call upon the public to support this initiative,” she added.

Meanwhile, Simon Kayongo, one of the leaders of the initiative, said his passion for a clean environment motivated him to join the group.

“One day, I was downtown and saw people stepping on grass planted by Kampala Capital City Authority workers. I felt upset because I understand the importance of green grass to our environment. When the opportunity to join Love Uganda arose, I did not hesitate,” Kayongo said.

He identified the biggest challenge as people continually walking on protected grass and urged the government to enforce existing environmental laws.

“If people see that the law is being implemented, they will stop disregarding the environment. Climate change is occurring because of our poor behaviour and negligence,” he said.

The members also appealed to the government to support their activities, noting that they face challenges in carrying out their work despite doing it voluntarily out of love for the environment.