Community partners unite for Luzira landing site cleanup

The cleanup, held in recognition of the critical role sanitation plays in supporting livelihoods at the landing site, was spearheaded by Uganda Breweries, with David Kimaka, Head of Business Integrity, emphasising the company’s commitment to the community. Kimaka highlighted the importance of a clean environment to both residents and businesses operating around Portbell.

He noted that poor sanitation poses risks to local industries, particularly fishermen and businesses relying on the cleanliness of their surroundings.

"We recognise the shared responsibility to ensure that we all thrive in a clean and sanitary environment," Kimaka stated, adding that Uganda Breweries aims to set a good example by upholding high standards in their operations. He also stressed that clean waters are essential for attracting fish, directly impacting the livelihoods of fishermen.

Mayor Paul Mugambe applauded Uganda Breweries and its partners for their ongoing support to the local community. He commended the company for continuously initiating clean-up campaigns and constructing sanitation facilities in markets and other public spaces. Mugambe urged residents to maintain cleanliness at the landing site even after the organised cleanup, calling it a community responsibility.

The exercise comes as a response to the growing waste management challenges faced by Kampala, where rapid urbanisation has outpaced infrastructure development. With Kampala’s daytime population reaching 2.5 million, the city struggles to manage the estimated 1,500 tons of waste generated daily, according to a 2019 KCCA report. Only about 40-50% of this waste is collected, leading to environmental degradation.

In addition to the Luzira clean-up, Uganda Breweries has been involved in broader initiatives to improve sanitation in Kampala and beyond.

Through its Water for Life initiative, the company has partnered with government bodies and not-for-profit organisations to construct sanitation facilities in multiple communities, investing over UGX 600 million last year.

The Luzira clean-up saw participation from several local groups, including the Turinawe Community Foundation, Uganda Junior Rangers, and Luzira Achievers Youth Group, reflecting the collective effort to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.