FRONTLINE WORKERS CELEBRATED FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO KEEPING KAMPALA CLEAN

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) celebrated the unsung heroes, the city cleaners, disilting teams, and sanitation workers with a lively ceremony held at Kitante Primary School on December 20.

The event, which doubled as the Weyonje Sanitation Challenge awards, brought together city leaders, frontline workers, and community members to honor the men and women who work tirelessly to keep the city clean.

The Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago, led the compliments, commending the frontline workers for their unwavering commitment.

“Today, I came to celebrate you and with you. You are the people who keep Kampala clean, and your contribution is invaluable,” he said.

He further lauded the collaborative efforts of groups such as 7Hills and Community Saccos, which have worked hand in hand to maintain cleanliness in the city.

Lukwago emphasized the need for better welfare for the workers, promising to harmonize contracts to ensure fair and seamless payment processes.

“Keeping Kampala clean is at the core of our work. We must support and improve the welfare of these dedicated individuals,” he added.

Frank Rusa Nyakana, KCCA’s Acting Executive Director, echoed the sentiments, noting the workers' critical role.

“The people who keep a home clean are very important, and Kampala is our home. Your dedication is deeply appreciated, and we recognize your value,” Rusa said.

While the frontline workers continue to shoulder the city's cleanliness, city leaders emphasized the collective responsibility of all residents. “As much as the cleaners do their part, city dwellers must take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings,” said Rusa.

The Weyonje Sanitation Challenge, a competition among Kampala’s five divisions, Makindye, Rubaga, Kawempe, Central, and Nakawa was another highlight of the day.

Makindye Division emerged as the overall winner, receiving UGX 5 million, followed by Rubaga Division with UGX 4 million.

Kawempe Division took third place with UGX 3 million, while Central and Nakawa Divisions secured fourth and fifth positions, earning UGX 2.5 million and UGX 2 million, respectively.

In addition to the main awards, Makindye Division also clinched the Best Video Award, earning an extra UGX 1 million.

Despite the celebrations, speakers acknowledged the challenges faced by the frontline workers. Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA’s Director of Public Health and Environment, highlighted the need for consistent contracts to avoid payment delays.

“We have challenges, but we are committed to resolving them. Ensuring that workers are on contracts will make the payment process seamless,” Zalwango said.

Paul Mugambe, the Mayor of Nakawa Division, called for prioritizing frontline workers at KCCA health facilities. “These workers deserve recognition, even in healthcare. Let us ensure they receive prompt attention when they seek medical care,” he urged.

Workers like Sanula Nagayi shared their gratitude for recent improvements under the current KCCA administration. “For months, we faced salary delays, but in the last three months, our arrears have been paid. We had lost hope, but now we see change,” Nagayi said.

The frontline workers were treated to spectacular musical performance by renowned artists Ronald Mayinja and Stabua Natooro, who delighted the audience wth hits like Doreen by Mayinja and Tujanjawaze by Natooro.

The executive Director Rusa joined the frontliners as they danced the year away.

As the city prepares for the next year, leaders reiterated their commitment to addressing workers' challenges and enhancing their welfare, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable Kampala for all.