Africa-Press – Uganda. Security forces marked day two of the Tarehe Sita celebrations with a community cleanup in Kassambya Town Council, where officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), Uganda Police, and Uganda Prisons worked together to tidy up Kassambya’s streets, health center, and market.
Residents expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to interact closely with security personnel. “It is my first time getting this close to officers, and I have even touched them,” said Kyabasasa Roda, recalling how past regimes had instilled fear in the public.
“Whenever we saw an officer in uniform, we would run away because they would beat people for no reason. But today’s army is different—we appreciate them because now they are here with us, cleaning our area.”
Traders like Mohammed Kasule welcomed the initiative, particularly its impact on sanitation. “We have been struggling with garbage, and what security has done for us today is unforgettable,” he said.
Captain Joyce Muyigwa Biyinzika, a UPDF officer, credited President Museveni for instilling discipline in the army over the last 44 years.
“What I celebrate most in these 44 years is the liberty given to us by the president. We can now associate freely with the locals, and they are good people,” she said. She noted that more than 200 security personnel took part in cleaning roads, markets, and the local health center.
Prisons officer Mary Binomugisha urged residents to uphold hygiene in their community.
“I want to remind our people to always stay clean to prevent the spread of diseases because we all know that poor sanitation leads to illnesses,” she said.
Andrew Solomon Musiindi, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Mubende in charge of Kassambya, praised the impact of the cleanup.
“The preparations are making a difference because our places are becoming cleaner. We shall adopt this culture,” he said.
Mubende RDC Abubaker Birungi underscored the importance of security forces setting an example for the community. “When our locals see a UPDF officer cleaning, they also learn the importance of keeping the environment clean,” he said.
As preparations for Tarehe Sita continue, residents of Kassambya say they hope such interactions with security forces will become a regular occurrence.
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