Archbishop Kaziimba: Cleanliness is a divine and economic imperative

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda has issued a stark warning: Ugandans must embrace the national cleaning day or face escalating healthcare expenditures. During his participation in the national cleaning exercise in Kitgum Municipality, the Archbishop emphasized that maintaining clean surroundings directly correlates with reduced medical expenses, as many common illnesses stem from poor sanitation.

Archbishop Kaziimba went further, declaring that households lacking basic facilities such as toilets and rubbish pits are committing a sin against God. He drew a parallel to biblical teachings, stating that God mandated places of convenience for the Israelites, making their absence a transgression. He stressed the necessity of ensuring adequate facilities for waste disposal and personal hygiene.

In an effort to foster a culture of cleanliness from a young age, the Archbishop appealed to the government to integrate a dedicated syllabus on cleaning and hygiene into the school curriculum. He believes that teaching children about personal hygiene is crucial for long-term public health.

Reflecting on his visit to Kitgum, the Archbishop noted an instance where a football match was abandoned, leaving the pitch strewn with plastic bottles, highlighting the pervasive issue of littering. He was joined by local leaders, including Bishop Wilson Kitara and government ministers, in the cleanup effort.

Archbishop Kaziimba urged Ugandans to adopt cleanliness not just as an occasional activity but as a daily responsibility. He stressed the importance of instilling these values in children through families, schools, and religious institutions, thereby promoting a healthier and more responsible nation.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/embrace-national-cleaning-day-or-spend-more-on-health-archbishop-kaziimba-warns-5610632