Bukomansimbi Residents Forced to Clean Localities

What the report says

Nile Post reported that police in Bukomansimbi District compelled residents to take part in the national Bulungi Bwansi community clean-up exercise on Saturday after some people allegedly ignored a government directive to join the sanitation campaign. The operation was led by District Police Commander Aggrey Francis Kyesimiire, with officers and local leaders moving through homes and lodges to bring people into the exercise.

According to the report, some residents were found sitting outside their homes, others locked themselves indoors, and others went to lodges to avoid participating. Police reportedly entered Gwe Osalawo Lodge and ordered those inside to join the clean-up. Officers also set up roadblocks on major routes, stopping motorists and passengers and requiring them to participate before continuing, causing temporary traffic disruption.

Authorities framed the exercise as part of a nationwide government effort to improve environmental cleanliness and reduce risks of disease outbreaks. Kyesimiire said sanitation was a shared responsibility and urged residents to take government programmes seriously. Nile Post also reported mixed local reaction, with some residents supporting enforcement and others urging neighbours not to neglect hygiene campaigns.

Assistant Resident District Commissioner Joseph Luwagga Kitayimbwa warned businesses lacking proper sanitation facilities, especially pit latrines, that they could face legal action. Bukomansimbi Town Council Mayor Mawanda also urged residents to treat cleanliness as a daily duty, not only as something done during organised campaigns. District authorities said people found keeping dirty premises after the exercise could be arrested and prosecuted.