By Brian Atuhura

Masindi District has intensified efforts to promote cleanliness and public health after leading a community cleaning exercise in Kabango Town Council as part of the National Cleaning Exercise.

The exercise,held on Saturday 29,brought together district leaders,religious leaders,schools,business communities and residents who joined hands to clean public spaces and improve sanitation across the town council.

Launching the exercise,Masindi Resident District Commissioner Darius Nandinda commended the various stakeholders for embracing the initiative and actively participating in the cleaning exercise.

Nandinda said the involvement of religious institutions,schools and the business community demonstrates the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining clean and healthy communities.

Masindi District Chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi appreciated the President's Office for championing initiatives aimed at improving public health and encouraging Ugandans to live in clean environments.

Wobusobozi urged residents to make personal hygiene,environmental conservation and cleanliness part of their daily lives,including cleaning their surroundings and planting trees.

"Some of you take two to three weeks without bathing,"Wobusobozi remarked,while emphasizing the need for residents to improve their personal hygiene.

Masindi Chief Administrative Officer,Samuel Ruhweza Kaija described the National Cleaning Exercise as a monthly initiative that requires the participation of all stakeholders to keep residential areas and public spaces clean.

Kaija appealed to residents of Kabango Town Council to sustain the momentum beyond the exercise,urging them to make cleaning a routine activity,particularly on the last Saturday of every month.

Meanwhile,Masindi District Health Officer,Dr.Nicholas Kwikiriza said many of the diseases affecting communities can be prevented through improved personal hygiene,healthy lifestyles and proper sanitation.

He explained that the Ministry of Health has shifted greater emphasis from treating diseases to health promotion and disease prevention.

"Ensure you remain healthy and live a productive life,"Dr.Kwikiriza urged residents.

The LCIII Chairperson of Kabango Town Council,Richard Oyomtho,commended all stakeholders for selecting Kabango as one of the areas to benefit from the national cleaning exercise.

Oyomtho particularly appreciated Kinyara Sugar Limited for providing cleaning equipment and welfare support to participants during the exercise.

However,he cautioned parents against allowing their children to litter the trading centre with sugarcane leftovers,saying such practices undermine efforts to maintain a clean environment.

The leaders called on residents to take ownership of cleanliness in their communities and ensure that the National Cleaning Exercise becomes a sustained habit rather than a one-day activity.