Emyooga beneficiaries in Hoima City joined the government’s National Cleaning Exercise on September 26, underscoring the importance of environmental hygiene for public health, business sustainability, and regional development. The event, held on the last Saturday of every month, brought together residents, institutions, and officials, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who highlighted the role of cleanliness in preventing disease and supporting Hoima’s economic aspirations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Florence Asaba, chairperson of the Hoima West Constituency Women Entrepreneurs Emyooga SACCO, stated that maintaining a clean environment is critical for both health and commerce. “A dirty environment can lead to illnesses that drain resources, while cleanliness attracts customers, especially as Hoima positions itself as a hub for AFCON,” she said. Asaba, a beneficiary of the Emyooga program, praised the government’s financial support but urged increased funding to expand business opportunities for participants.
Tadeo Atuhura, Communications Manager at the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), linked wealth creation to environmental stewardship. “Clean workplaces enhance business appeal and customer engagement,” he noted, citing examples like restaurant owners, fishermen, and journalists among Emyooga beneficiaries. Atuhura emphasized the MSC’s role in the national initiative, stating that all staff participate in monthly cleanups to reinforce the connection between health and economic growth.
Prime Minister Nabbanja reiterated the shared responsibility of waste management, citing a Ministry of Health report that 75% of Uganda’s disease burden is preventable through environmental cleanliness. “Residents must take ownership of their communities, not rely on local authorities,” she said. Nabbanja announced plans to deploy environmental experts for waste management education and handed over two Tuk Tuks to Hoima West and Hoima East to bolster garbage collection efforts.
The exercise featured participation from government officials, including State Minister for ICT Jonard Asiimwe, Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba, and Area MP Asinansi Nyakato, alongside religious, environmental, and cultural groups. Events included cleaning public spaces such as roads, markets, and drainage channels, with activities running from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.,”“Nabbanja called for sustained cleanliness beyond the monthly exercise, urging schools, communities, and institutions to adopt daily hygiene practices. “Cleanliness is not a one-day task but a lifestyle,” she emphasized, warning that improper waste disposal risks flooding, pollution, and disease outbreaks.
The National Cleaning Exercise aligns with broader efforts to address illegal dumping and improve urban management in Hoima, a key economic center. Asaba and Atuhura highlighted the Emyooga program’s role in empowering entrepreneurs, with beneficiaries advocating for expanded funding to scale their initiatives. “More resources mean more growth,” Asaba said, reflecting the program’s impact on livelihoods.
The event underscored the intersection of public health, economic development, and environmental responsibility, positioning Hoima as a model for sustainable urban planning ahead of AFCON 2027. With government and community collaboration, the city aims to balance infrastructure demands with ecological preservation.
The National Cleaning Exercise, now a monthly fixture, has become a platform for civic engagement and policy implementation. Its emphasis on waste management reflects Uganda’s broader challenges in urban governance, particularly in regions undergoing rapid development.
As Hoima prepares for the 2027 AFCON, the exercise serves as both a practical measure and a symbolic commitment to cleanliness. Officials and residents alike recognize that a well-maintained environment is essential for attracting investment, tourism, and long-term prosperity.
The collaboration between the Emyooga program, the MSC, and government agencies highlights the multi-stakeholder approach needed to address complex urban challenges. With continued efforts, Hoima’s cleanliness drive could set a precedent for other cities facing similar pressures.
The initiative also reinforces the government’s focus on grassroots development, leveraging community participation to achieve national goals. As Nabbanja noted, “Cleanliness is a shared responsibility, and every individual’s contribution matters.”
The success of the National Cleaning Exercise hinges on sustained public engagement and institutional support. As Hoima moves closer to hosting AFCON, the city’s ability to maintain hygiene will be a key indicator of its readiness and resilience.
The event’s emphasis on waste sorting and environmental education signals a shift toward proactive governance. By equipping residents with knowledge and resources, the government aims to foster a culture of accountability and sustainability in Hoima and beyond.