Wakiso health officials crack down on poor sanitation, unsafe food practices

Health officials from Wakiso District conducted an extensive operation in Mmende Town, targeting inadequate sanitation facilities and unsafe food practices, including cooking with plastic bags.

The officials warned that these practices pose significant health risks and could lead to the spread of diseases associated with poor hygiene.

During the operation, officials discovered widespread neglect of sanitation standards. Many toilets in the area were found in poor condition, lacking doors and proper hygiene facilities.

Property owners were instructed to renovate their sanitation facilities to meet the required standards.

Additionally, officials confiscated food cooked in plastic bags, advising vendors to dispose of hazardous materials and adopt safer cooking methods.

Local leader Ssempuya Criss Paul expressed deep concern over the community’s ongoing disregard for hygiene, noting that residents' apathy puts the entire community at constant risk of disease outbreaks.

“Despite repeated warnings, people remain indifferent to the need for proper sanitation. It's like dealing with a stubborn animal,” he said.

Ssempuya also highlighted the difficulties in addressing these issues, especially in encouraging residents to build latrines.

He pointed out that even the local police station lacks proper sanitation facilities and often relies on neighboring ones.

Despite raising these concerns in council meetings, the situation has remained unchanged, with some residents justifying their refusal to build latrines by pointing to the police’s own shortcomings.

Health officer Bubuulo Fazil, who is overseeing the area, reiterated the district’s commitment to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for residents.

“These operations will continue until proper sanitation standards are upheld,” Fazil stated.

A food vendor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, thanked the health officials for their efforts and acknowledged the importance of adhering to proper food safety practices.

He urged fellow vendors to use safe cooking methods, noting that the use of plastic bags could result in severe health issues.