Deputy RCC Criticises Mbarara Leaders Over Poor Turnout in National Cleaning Exercise

Mbarara City South Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Gerald Tukamuhebwa, has expressed strong disappointment with local political leaders following a low turnout during the monthly National Cleaning Day exercise.

Speaking during the Saturday event, Tukamuhebwa noted that many elected officials have stopped participating in the sanitation campaign now that the political season has concluded. He emphasized that leaders hold a responsibility to lead by example, mobilize their communities, and actively engage in clearing garbage, unblocking drainage systems, and cleaning public spaces.

According to the deputy commissioner, some local council leaders who were previously active during election periods have deserted the monthly initiative. He stressed that true leadership involves working alongside the community to safeguard public health rather than leaving all the labor to ordinary citizens.

Despite the absence of several political figures, Tukamuhebwa commended residents in areas like Ruti for turning out early. He highlighted the impressive cleanup of Kikoona Market, previously known as one of the dirtiest commercial hubs in the city, which was transformed through unsupervised community effort.

Corporate entities and schools also joined the sanitation drive. Emmanuel Fokushaba, head of marketing at Nyakayojo Peoples SACCO, stated that their involvement aimed to combat diseases linked to poor hygiene and support government health objectives.

To ensure compliance, security forces were deployed at various checkpoints across the division. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists found moving about during designated cleaning hours without participating were intercepted and required to join the exercise. Tukamuhebwa warned that strict enforcement would continue in future sessions, with non-compliant individuals mandated to clean until 10:00 AM.

Read more details on the Nile Post.