Rubaga Residents Join KCCA to Launch Weyonje Sanitation Challenge

Residents of Rubaga Division on Saturday teamed up with officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in a major community clean-up exercise that marked the official launch of the Weyonje Sanitation Challenge in Ssembule A, Ssembule B and Nakayizi zones.

The activity brought together families, community leaders and KCCA staff, who swept streets, unclogged drains, collected waste and engaged households on proper sanitation and hygiene practices.The initiative is part of KCCA’s wider campaign to promote a cleaner, healthier Kampala through community-led action.

Buzeki Urges Communities to Make Sanitation a Lifestyle

KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, who led the team on the ground, called on residents to embrace sanitation as part of their daily routine rather than treating it as an occasional exercise.

“This should be part of your livelihood, not a one-day event,” Buzeki said. “KCCA will do its part, but communities must manage their waste responsibly. A clean city begins at home.”

To reinforce the message, KCCA distributed dustbins to households to encourage waste sorting at the source. Buzeki urged families to involve children and domestic workers in learning proper garbage separation, noting that early habits shape long-term behavior.

Public Health Office Mapping Toilets for Upgrades

KCCA’s Director of Public Health and Environment, Dr. Sarah Zalwango, emphasized the crucial role of local leaders in spearheading sanitation campaigns in their communities. She revealed that the Authority is currently mapping all toilets across Rubaga Division to identify facilities that require upgrading, including galloping toilets and those needing cesspool emptying.

“Local leaders and communities must take the lead in maintaining sanitation,” she said. “Our mapping exercise will help us determine which facilities need immediate intervention to improve public health.”

Health experts also used the event to demonstrate proper waste separation techniques, warning households against disposing fecal matter or solid waste in drainage channels—a practice that contributes to flooding and disease outbreaks.

Residents Welcome Engagement and Raise Long-standing Concerns

Residents expressed appreciation for KCCA’s direct engagement, saying it provided an opportunity to highlight persistent sanitation challenges such as blocked drains, unsafe toilets and inadequate waste disposal systems.

“This is the kind of engagement we need,” said Jane Nalule from Ssembule B. “When KCCA comes on the ground, we can show them exactly where the problems are. It gives us confidence that something will be done.”

Others stressed the importance of shared responsibility in sustaining a clean environment.

“We can’t expect KCCA to solve everything if we don’t change our habits,” said Moses Katongole of Nakayizi Zone. “If we all work together, these places can stay clean.”

Local Leaders Applaud KCCA’s Effort

Kabowa Parish Councilor Patrick Male commended residents for turning up in large numbers, saying collective action remains crucial in winning the sanitation battle. Rubaga Division Speaker Mabirizi also thanked KCCA for improving drainage systems and scaling up community sensitization efforts.

He said such initiatives strengthen cooperation between the authority and the communities it serves.

Race for the Weyonje Trophy Begins

The Weyonje Sanitation Challenge is being implemented across all five divisions of Kampala and will culminate on December 20. The best-performing division will walk away with a trophy and UGX 5 million. Rubaga, which finished second in last year’s challenge, is aiming to clinch this year’s top spot.

Saturday’s clean-up in Ssembule and Nakayizi zones forms part of KCCA’s broader strategy to deepen collaboration with communities and accelerate efforts to create cleaner, safer and more livable neighborhoods across the city.