Nebbi Municipality has launched the “Keep Nebbi Clean” campaign, mobilising political and technical leaders, business owners and residents to improve waste management and promote a cleaner urban environment.
The campaign, launched on Friday by Nebbi Municipality Mayor Jackline Opar, will be conducted every last Friday of the month as part of efforts to address growing concerns over uncollected garbage piling up in corridors, drainage channels and the main market area.
The accumulated waste has become a major concern, especially during rainy seasons when it produces foul smells and poses health risks, including possible contamination of food sold in the market.
Mayor Opar said the municipality has repaired its garbage truck, partnered with local waste management operators and introduced waste segregation by separating plastics, metals and biodegradable materials for recycling and manure production.
She said the new approach is aimed at transforming waste from a burden into an economic opportunity.
"Cleaning one’s environment is very vital because it determines the wellbeing and health of every human being," Opar said.
She added that the municipality will ensure sanitation workers are provided with the necessary equipment and materials to effectively carry out their duties.
The Deputy Mayor, Howard Musa Okello, said previous clean-up campaigns failed because the former municipal leadership did not prioritise garbage management.
According to municipal records, the only garbage truck owned by the municipality broke down in 2024 and remained unrepaired, while efforts to partner with private waste management companies were not pursued.
"There was no will. This time we have repaired the truck, hired another one from the district and are looking forward to partnering with local garbage managers," Mayor Opar said.
The campaign has received support from various stakeholders, including boda boda riders, business operators and market vendors, who participated in the launch activities.
However, environmental stakeholders have challenged the municipality to go beyond cleaning and focus on creating economic value from waste.
Saviour Mak-Kristo, a businessman and member of the Municipal Development Forum on Environment, welcomed the initiative but questioned its long-term sustainability without proper waste segregation.
"The most sustainable approach is waste segregation. It enables you to establish plants focusing on manure production for farmers and plastics for recyclers," Mak-Kristo said.
He noted that proper waste management could create employment opportunities while generating revenue for the municipality.
In Parombo, waste trader Bob Oyoma operates a waste segregation site where he buys plastics and scrap metal, a model he believes Nebbi Municipality can adopt.
"The market is there. What lacks is knowledge and commitment to make waste management business-oriented," Mak-Kristo said.
Currently, a kilogramme of plastic waste sells at about Shs400, while scrap metal ranges between Shs1,500 and Shs2,500, depending on the buyer.
Mayor Opar said the municipality will explore partnerships with waste entrepreneurs such as Oyoma to develop a sustainable waste management system that creates economic opportunities.
She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to improving garbage management, protecting public health and building a cleaner, healthier Nebbi Municipality.
