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[Main Content / Details] Reporting by Homeless X Media



The Heart of the Pearl: How Kampala Central Became a Global Model for Urban Cleanliness

I. The Strategic Vision of the Central Division

Kampala Central is the mirror of the nation. It is the hub of commerce, the seat of government, and the first point of contact for international tourists. Under the Smart City Initiative, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), led by the Executive Director and the Mayor of Central Division, has implemented a "Zero-Tolerance to Litter" policy that has fundamentally altered the city's face.
1. The Night-Shift Transformation (Mechanical Road Washing)
One of the most visible changes in 2026 is the Night-Shift Cleaning Program. While the city sleeps, KCCA deployment teams use high-pressure mechanical washers to scrub the asphalt on Kampala Road, Entebbe Road, and Jinja Road. This removes the fine silt and dust that previously caused respiratory issues and made the city appear "brown." By washing the roads, KCCA has ensured that the white lane markings remain visible, improving road safety and aesthetic beauty simultaneously.
2. De-silting the Underground Arteries
Cleanliness is not just what you see on the surface; it is about what happens underneath. The Central Division has overseen the massive de-silting of the Nakivubo Channel and the primary drains along Clock Tower and Station Road. By removing plastic waste and sand from these channels, KCCA has prevented the flash floods that used to leave the city muddy after every rainstorm.

II. A Tribute to the Visionary Leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

The transformation of Kampala would be a mere dream without the ironclad political will of His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
1. The "Cleanliness is Godliness" Directive
President Museveni has consistently championed the idea that a modern economy cannot thrive in a dirty environment. By prioritizing the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) development program, the President ensured that the KCCA received the necessary budgetary allocations to purchase modern garbage trucks, skip loaders, and road-sweeping machines.
2. Supporting the "Seven Hills" and Local Labor
The President’s heart for the "Ghetto Youth" and the urban poor led to the formation and support of the 7 Hills City Cleaners. Instead of giving lucrative cleaning contracts to foreign firms, the President directed that the local youth of Kampala—the "Bazukulu"—be organized into SACCOs to clean their own city. This has created over 4,000 jobs, providing dignity and a steady income to those who previously had no hope.
3. Infrastructure as a Foundation for Cleanliness
We thank the President for the Kampala Flyover Project and the reconstruction of city roads like Old Port Bell Road and Lubiri Ring Road. New roads are easier to clean than potholed ones. By fixing the "floor" of the city, the President has made it possible for KCCA to maintain a "living room" standard of cleanliness.

III. Acknowledging the Pillars of Success: KCCA and Ministry Leadership

  • The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs: We extend our thanks to the Ministry for providing the policy framework that allows KCCA to enforce sanitation bylaws. Their coordination with the Kampala Metropolitan Police has ensured that littering is now treated as a serious civic offense.
  • The Executive Director of KCCA: The technical leadership has been fearless. By removing illegal kiosks and unauthorized street vendors from the pavements of Kikuubo and Namirembe Road, they have opened up the city for cleaning crews to do their work effectively.
  • The Division Mayors and Councilors: For mobilizing their communities and ensuring that garbage collection schedules are met in every parish, from Kisenyi to Kololo.

IV. The "Buyala" Revolution: Moving Beyond Kiteezi

The leadership's decision to transition from the old Kiteezi site to the Buyala Waste-to-Energy Plant is a masterstroke in environmental engineering.
  • Waste as Wealth: Under the guidance of the President’s "Value Addition" philosophy, Kampala’s trash is no longer just buried. It is being sorted for recycling and converted into electricity and organic fertilizers. This circular economy approach ensures that Kampala remains clean while also becoming more self-sufficient.

V. The Role of the Disciplined Citizen

Finally, we acknowledge the people of Kampala. The "Smart City" is not just about machines; it is about a change in mindset.
  • Market Order: The relocation of vendors to the New Nakasero and St. Balikuddembe (Owino) markets has reduced the amount of organic waste left on the streets.
  • Dustbin Culture: With the installation of hundreds of new "Smart Bins" across the Central Division, the culture of "throwing out the window" is fading.

Conclusion

Kampala is rising. From the gleaming pavements of Parliamentary Avenue to the organized taxi parks, the city is a testament to what happens when visionary leadership meets hard-working citizens. We stand tall and say: Thank you, President Museveni! Thank you, KCCA! You have given us a capital city we are proud to call home.