Lira City Residents Call for Strict Enforcement of National Cleaning Day

By Patrick Okino

Members of the public have called on the Government to strictly enforce the National Cleaning Day initiative to improve sanitation in homes, business premises, towns and cities across the country.

The residents said they are ready to support the programme, noting that poor sanitation has remained a major challenge because many people neglect cleanliness in their homes and workplaces.

Janet Akello, a vendor in Lira City, said maintaining clean business premises is essential for a healthy environment, disease prevention and attracting customers.

“It is a good programme because most people tend to ignore the hygiene of their business premises, which later results in the collapse of their businesses,” Akello said. She urged the Government to sustain the initiative until all towns, cities and homes are kept clean.

Ronald Opio, a resident of Lumumba Cell in Lira City, described the initiative as another important development programme that should be embraced by every citizen.

He said the campaign would significantly contribute to disease prevention, which is more cost-effective than treating illnesses that consume resources and negatively affect the economy.

Tom Okao, the Principal of Fountainhead Institute of Management and Technology (FIMAT), described the National Cleaning Day as one of the best initiatives introduced by the Government.

“There is no one who will come from nowhere to clean your home. It is the responsibility of every homeowner to ensure a clean and hygienic environment,” Okao said.

He urged the Government to enforce the programme so that everyone participates and suggested that sub-county chiefs should spearhead its implementation by launching and coordinating activities in their respective areas.

Patrick Ocaka, a boda boda rider, welcomed the programme but said many people were not adequately informed before the exercise.

He said the activity disrupted his business because he was instructed to suspend operations until 10:00 a.m.

Kenneth Okullo, another resident, commended the initiative, saying it would help keep the environment clean, healthy and safe for everyone.

However, Jasper Ogwal raised concerns about the disposal of garbage collected during the National Cleaning Day exercise.

He said many residents do not know where to dispose of the waste after cleaning and appealed to the Government to provide designated collection points and transport for garbage.

“The programme is good, but it has created another challenge because people don’t know who will collect the garbage or where to dump it,” Ogwal said.

Residents urged the Government to accompany the sanitation campaign with effective waste collection and disposal systems to ensure the initiative achieves its intended goal of improving public health and environmental cleanliness.