By Enatu Steven
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, Youth Leading in Environmental Change (YLEC) organized a massive clean-up exercise in Soroti City, bringing together hundreds of young volunteers to clean streets and public spaces. Equipped with gloves and trash bags, the youths transformed litter-filled areas into clean, welcoming spaces, inspiring community pride.
Kellin Apio, a participant from Obuku, emphasized the importance of a clean environment for health and appearance. Local residents, like passerby Simon Okello, expressed gratitude and admiration for the initiative. Job Isaac Ilaborot Ocodio, the Local Council One Chairperson for Cell K Senior Quarters Ward, praised YLEC’s efforts, noting that waste management is a significant challenge due to the lack of designated dumping sites. He called for increased community sensitization to address garbage littering.
The clean-up is part of a broader movement to foster community ownership and environmental responsibility among Soroti’s youth. YLEC aims to make the event regular, encouraging others to join. Denis Ikanza Success, YLEC’s Head of Field Operations, highlighted the need for young people to set an example and engage in environmental management, recalling Soroti’s past reputation as one of the cleanest cities.
After the clean-up, the team held a youth dialogue at Soroti Public Gardens to discuss maintaining a clean city. Beatrice Ruth Arigo, the supervisor for road gangs, representing Health Inspector Moses Amolo, expressed gratitude to YLEC and identified public places like gardens as major garbage accumulation sites due to increased population and vending in ungazetted areas. She urged the city council to relocate vendors to designated areas to maintain cleanliness.
Soroti City Authority has introduced a polluter pay policy, partnering with companies like Asante Waste Management to manage garbage. However, there is a need for more engagement and sensitization to help residents and businesses understand and adhere to this principle.