The Mountain Infantry Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has partnered with the Tooro Kingdom to clean up Fort Portal City in a joint campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation, civic responsibility and tourism.
The initiative is part of the Baragirakiki Tourism and Environment Campaign that saw soldiers, kingdom officials, civil society organisations and members of the local business community take part in a major clean-up exercise.
The activity was held under the broader framework of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), reinforcing ties between the UPDF, the Kingdom and the people of Tooro and ‘Baragirakiki’ is a Rutooro word loosely translated as a call to self-reflection, seeks to encourage personal responsibility in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The campaign was launched earlier this year by His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru to foster community involvement in environmental preservation, civic pride and tourism development designed to inspire a shift in mindset among the Batooro by encouraging them to take ownership of their surroundings and uphold Fort Portal’s reputation as Uganda’s cleanest city.
According to the organisers, the campaign also is a deliberate effort to preserve the city’s beauty and cultural identity in line with its status as a key tourism destination.
The Division Operations and Training Officer Col Sseguya who represented Mountain Division Commander Brig Gen Paul Muwonge, said poor waste disposal in urban areas contributes to air pollution, health risks, and infrastructural damage.
“Unmanaged rubbish clogs drainage systems, causes flooding, and damages roads, leading to higher public expenditure. Diseases like cholera and dysentery can easily break out. These are preventable if people take responsibility. We call on all residents to embrace the Baragirakiki campaign for a cleaner and more attractive city,” Col Sseguya said.
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiiki echoed this call, urging all residents to maintain high standards of hygiene.
“This campaign is about preserving the dignity, beauty, and culture of Tooro. A clean environment not only promotes health but also strengthens our image as a leading tourism hub,” Prime Minister Rwomire said.
Fortportal North Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Kasigwa Tom, praised the Kingdom and the UPDF for taking the initiative saying that it’s encouraging to see people not just waiting for government but actively participating in improving their city and promised to always be part of the campaign.
The Chairman of the Fort Portal City Business Community, Atooko Musa pledged to rally fellow traders and residents in support of the cause and said that a clean city attracts both customers and tourists and therefore they are committed to support the campaign and making it a success.
The clean-up focused on Link Bus Street, Kasese Road Highway and the central roundabout and other supporters in the cleaning campaign included Link Bus Services staff, the Red Cross, Fort Portal City Council and local business community.
