As the Kingdom of Buganda prepares to mark the coronation anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, leaders in Busujju County have intensified efforts to promote environmental conservation and community sanitation through a district-wide Bulungi Bwansi campaign.
The initiative, officially flagged off at Ngugulo Village in Mumyuka Kakindu Sub-county, will be rolled out across various sub-counties in Busujju as part of the build-up to the celebrations.
The campaign is being spearheaded by Second Deputy County Chief Henry Ssebalamu, who said the programme is intended to strengthen the culture of voluntary community service while improving sanitation and protecting the environment.
“Bulungi Bwansi is not just about cleaning our surroundings. It is about building healthy communities, protecting our environment and fulfilling our responsibility as subjects of the Kabaka,” Ssebalamu said.
Leaders from Busujju and Ssingo counties, working together with central government officials, emphasised that maintaining clean trading centres, homes and public spaces is essential in preventing disease outbreaks and promoting safer communities.
Ssebalamu specifically urged traders and business owners to maintain cleanliness in their premises, noting that proper sanitation remains one of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of infectious diseases, including Ebola.
“Every resident has a responsibility to keep their home, shop and workplace clean. Good hygiene is one of the strongest defences against disease,” he said.
Busujju leaders expressed concern that some residents still do not fully appreciate the importance of Bulungi Bwansi, with others questioning the personal benefits of participating in community work.
They emphasised that the initiative benefits the entire community by creating cleaner, healthier and more attractive environments.
“Development begins with collective responsibility. When everyone contributes even a small effort, the whole community benefits,” one of the local leaders said.
During the launch, volunteers participated in activities such as garbage collection, clearing roadside vegetation, slashing overgrown grass and improving sanitation in public spaces. Leaders said these activities will continue across the county as preparations for the coronation anniversary intensify.
In neighbouring Ssingo County, Buganda Kingdom leaders joined members of the Ssekanyonyi Fish Farmers Development Group in a parallel Bulungi Bwansi exercise focused on supporting vulnerable households.
The group donated essential household items to elderly residents and other disadvantaged families in Ssekanyonyi Sub-county.
Organisers noted that many elderly people in the area struggle to afford basic necessities, prompting community members to mobilise support.
“Bulungi Bwansi goes beyond cleaning the environment. It also means caring for vulnerable members of our communities and ensuring that no one is left behind,” an organiser said.
As Buganda prepares for the coronation anniversary celebrations, leaders say promoting cleanliness, environmental conservation and support for vulnerable groups reflects the values the Kingdom continues to uphold.
They have urged residents across Busujju and Ssingo to actively participate in Bulungi Bwansi activities, describing the campaign as an opportunity to demonstrate unity, responsibility and commitment to community development.
