ARDHI led a community clean-up initiative at Nakawa Market in Kampala on Saturday, rallying over 100 traders and volunteers for National Cleaning Day. The exercise, supported by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Nakawa Market Authority, and Uganda Police Force, saw participants sweep and clear the market from 7 a.m., with traders temporarily pausing their businesses to join the effort. The Agency for Research, Development, Health and Innovation (ARDHI) emphasized that maintaining clean public spaces requires collective action, not just government responsibility.
ARDHI Executive Director Eng. Dr Peter Byamugisha stated that National Cleaning Day serves as a reminder of the importance of hygiene for public health and economic activity. He urged businesses and institutions to adopt waste management as part of their corporate social responsibility. ARDHI Country Director Counsel Nassir Mwanje highlighted the need for collaboration between local authorities, private entities, and communities, noting that the Nakawa Market event demonstrated how such partnerships can foster civic engagement. Both leaders praised the participation of traders and volunteers, calling it a model for future initiatives.
The clean-up aligns with ARDHI’s focus on waste management, including plans to deploy smart bins in high-traffic areas to enhance waste collection efficiency. Mwanje said the organization aims to expand similar efforts to other markets nationwide. ARDHI also commended KCCA, market leaders, and law enforcement for their role in the event, underscoring the significance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in urban sanitation. The initiative reflects broader efforts to address public health risks linked to poor waste disposal, as highlighted by recent campaigns in other Ugandan regions.
The Nakawa Market clean-up underscores the growing emphasis on community-driven solutions to urban challenges. By mobilizing traders and volunteers, ARDHI and its partners have set a precedent for sustainable public space management. As the organization advances its smart bin project, the event highlights the intersection of civic responsibility, institutional support, and innovative waste management in fostering healthier urban environments.