UWEWK 2024: Keeping environment clean and safe should be 'a culture'

The issue of environment, sanitation and hygiene should concern everyone, according to water ministry's permanent secretary, Alfred Okidi.

“We are supposed to ensure efficient, sustainable management and usage of water and environment resources. Whatever we do in our homes in terms of disposal of solid waste has a direct impact on our water and our environment," he said.

This was on Thursday during a clean-up exercise to mark this year's Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK) celebrations at the water ministry headquarters in Luzira, Kampala.

One of the objectives of UWEWK is to increase public awareness on water and environment resources for growth and development.

Alfred Okidi, the water ministry PS addressing journalists during the clean-up exercise at the water ministry Headquarters in Luzira on March 14, 2024.

This year, there has been a focus on solid waste disposal.

"If you move around, you can see the impact of irresponsible disposal of waste in the lake. It is our responsibility to ensure that our water and environment resources are conserved now and for future generations," said Okidi.

“Solid waste is our responsibility individually. Don’t look at it in Kampala that it is a responsibility of KCCA. It starts with you. 

"Let's keep our environment better and ensure that there is enough water for generations to come."

'A culture'

The clean-up exercise in Nakawa, Luzira and Kitantale markets is part of the UWEWK activities.

Constantin Mbonabingi, the Uganda Joint Christian Council executive secretary throws garbage on the truck as a cleaner looks on during the clean-up exercise at Nakawa market on March 14, 2024.

The week will officially get under way on March 18 under the theme: 'Rethinking collective action and innovative solutions to water, environment and climate change crisis in Uganda'.

As per the theme, UWEWK 2024 will focus on rethinking existing approaches and solutions to address water, environment, and climate change challenges in Uganda, building on outcomes and recommendations of the various global, regional, and national water, environment, and climate change-related events.

“The issue of proper sanitation and hygiene within communities should be emphasized," added Okidi.

"It should be a culture. I call upon parents to instill this in the minds and hearts of the children so that this becomes the norm.”

According to him, when you see plastics being thrown out of vehicles, it is because that culture was not installed in people. 

As such, the ministry PS is rallying all Ugandans to reawaken and do what is best for the environment.

'A sin'

Constantine Mbonabingi, the executive secretary of the Uganda Joint Christian Council, weighed in on the poor culture of waste disposal, saying it is "ungodly".

“I am always disappointed with people who eat meat in the buses and throw bottles and bones outside through the windows," he said.

"As if that is not enough, some people, even put faeces in kaveera and throw it all over town and in slums. This is a sin and ungodly."

According to Mbonabingi, a true Christian should never be filthy or live in a filthy environment. 

Just like Okidi, he emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to live in a safe and clean environment to prevent diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.

“Let us keep our environment clean and also protect our water sources. If we pollute the River Nile and encroach on the river banks, we not only ruin our water source, but also affect other countries like Egypt with whom we share the water source."

Mariam Mayanja Nkalubo, the Minister of Environment and Bulungibwansi of Buganda Kingdom, sounded a similar clarion call.

She said people should not wait to be reminded by authorities to keep their environment clean and safe.

Proper garbage disposal should be a collective responsibility for everyone, she said.