St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational S.S Rushoroza Leads Town Clean-Up for Independence Day

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• People often store polythene bags in their homes and later dispose of them carelessly along roadsides and open spaces,” Kamusiime said.

Kabale, Uganda – Students and staff of St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational Secondary School Rushoroza spearheaded a town-wide cleaning campaign as part of Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations.

The clean-up exercise, which took place on Thursday, targeted several major areas including Kabale-University Road, Kabale-Katuna Road, and Mwanjari Market, among others. The initiative aimed to rid the town of litter and harmful polythene bags, which pose serious health and environmental risks.

Speaking during the event, Kamusiime Macklean Batwale, Chairperson of Kabale Municipality’s Southern Division, commended the school’s efforts and used the occasion to highlight the growing problem of poor waste disposal in the area.

“People often store polythene bags in their homes and later dispose of them carelessly along roadsides and open spaces,” Kamusiime said. “This leads to drainage blockages and flooding, especially during the rainy season. Despite the introduction of municipal ordinances and awareness campaigns, many residents still ignore proper waste management practices.”

She noted that garbage collection centers have been established across the municipality to facilitate proper waste disposal, but emphasized the need for collective community action to make a lasting impact.

Mr. Henry Tumwesigye, the District Natural Resources Officer, echoed these concerns, pointing to systemic challenges in municipal waste management.

“Dumping sites are poorly managed and drainage channels are often clogged,” Tumwesigye said. “This results in flooding, increased risk of waterborne diseases, and pollution of rivers downstream.”

He added that the district has initiated public awareness efforts, including radio talk shows, to educate citizens on environmental conservation and the dangers of environmental degradation.

Leading the cleaning exercise was Sr. Sophia Natuhwera, Head Teacher of St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational S.S Rushoroza. She emphasized the school’s commitment to nurturing environmentally responsible citizens.

“We teach our students to take responsibility for their surroundings, and today we are extending that message to the community,” Sr. Natuhwera said. “Keeping our environment clean helps prevent disease and promotes public health.”

She also revealed that the school has established environmental clubs to teach students about sustainability through advocacy, tree planting, and recycling programs.

“With the new curriculum, students are now learning how to recycle waste and create practical solutions to real-world problems,” she added. “This ensures that schools, communities, and leaders can work together to protect our environment.”

The initiative by St. Theresa Girls’ Vocational S.S Rushoroza stands as a shining example of youth-led action toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Kabale.