WEYONJE SANITATION CHALLENGE LAUNCHED TO BOOST COMMUNITY-LED CLEANLINESS IN KAMPALA

Kampala took another bold step toward a cleaner and healthier city on Saturday as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officially launched the Weyonje Sanitation Challenge 2025, a campaign designed to strengthen community-led waste management and inspire lasting behavioural change across all divisions of the capital.

The challenge places communities at the heart of Kampala’s cleanliness efforts, encouraging households and local leaders to adopt sustainable waste-sorting practices that improve public hygiene and reduce environmental risks.

Launching the campaign in Bwaise I Parish in Kawempe Division, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki applauded residents for their growing commitment to keeping their neighbourhoods clean but reminded them that sanitation must be an everyday practice.

“We’re happy to see residents showing up and taking charge. But one day is never enoughwe need sustained effort,” she said.

“Every time you touch something new, whether it’s a bottle or a piece of paper, think about where it should go. Waste management begins with the person who produces it.”

The 2025 Weyonje Challenge is being rolled out in partnership with Fundoo, UNICEF Uganda, and Centenary Bank, with rewards lined up for the cleanest and best-managed communities in Kampala. 

The initiative aims to deepen community ownership of sanitation and recognize outstanding local efforts.

As part of the campaign, KCCA distributed colour-coded waste sacks green for organic waste and blue for inorganic materials like polythene bags to households in Bwaise I Parish. 

The system is expected to significantly improve waste sorting at the source and reduce garbage that often clogs drainage channels, contributing to flooding during rainy seasons.

Buzeki also called on development partners to scale up support for sanitation infrastructure. While KCCA has constructed several public toilets across the city, she noted that the demand for safe sanitation facilities continues to rise. 

“We want everyoneinstitutions, companies, and partners to join us in expanding access to safe sanitation,” she said. “A clean Kampala is everyone’s responsibility.”

The launch event brought together key leaders including KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, Kawempe Division Mayor Emmanuel Sserunjogi, and community representatives from Bwaise.

Centenary Bank’s Chief Manager of Sustainability, Allen Ayebare, announced a UGX 20 million contribution to support the Weyonje Challenge, with each division receiving UGX 4 million. 

“Centenary Bank is truly a people’s bank,” she said. “We are proud to support KCCA in empowering communities to take charge of their sanitation.”

Local leaders expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that KCCA’s increased involvement in sanitation activities is creating stronger partnerships with communities. Bwaise I Councillor Sserunjogi Rashid commended the Authority for its renewed focus on community engagement, while Lule Julius, LCI Chairperson of Bubajwe, said the challenge would motivate residents to maintain cleaner, healthier surroundings.

The day’s activities also included tree planting, reinforcing the message that sanitation, environmental stewardship, and community involvement must move together for Kampala to thrive.

With the Weyonje Sanitation Challenge now underway, and ending on December 20, KCCA aims to build momentum for long-term habits that will deliver cleaner streets, safer communities, and a more resilient urban environment for all residents.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali 

Communication and Media Relations Officer