Police arrest Lyantonde residents as authorities enforce mandatory clean-up

What the report says

Nile Post reported that police in Lyantonde District arrested several residents on Saturday during enforcement of the government’s monthly Bulungi Bwansi community sanitation exercise. According to the report, the operation started at 7:00 a.m., with traffic police setting up roadblocks on key routes and stopping vehicles and motorcycles. Some vehicles were impounded and taken to Lyantonde Police Station over documentation issues, while motorists who showed they were transporting patients were allowed to continue.

Authorities also inspected homes in Lyantonde town as part of the clean-up drive. Nile Post said residents found at home and not participating were questioned, and some were arrested when officials deemed their explanations insufficient. Homes whose occupants did not take part were reportedly marked with an “A” for absent, and owners were told to report to Lyantonde Town Council offices.

The exercise extended to health facilities and Lyantonde Main Market, where officials raised concerns about hygiene. The Resident District Commissioner warned some clinics over sanitation, and one clinic owner was ordered to appear before the RDC’s office on Monday. At the market, local leaders and traders were instructed to clean the area.

Local leaders cited weak public participation and limited waste management capacity as continuing challenges. Mayor Ali Bbongo Ddamulira said the town lacks a garbage collection truck, while Woman MP Doreen Birungi Katushabe welcomed the national Bulungi Bwansi programme but acknowledged infrastructure gaps. Authorities said another clean-up exercise would be held the following Friday to encourage wider participation and improve sanitation.