Kampala has launched a new drive to strengthen community participation in waste management through the Weyonje Sanitation Challenge 2025. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) unveiled the campaign in Bwaise I, Kawempe Division, with a call for residents to take greater responsibility for daily sanitation.
The initiative puts communities at the centre of efforts to improve hygiene in the city. It encourages households and local leaders to sort waste properly, adopt sustainable habits, and reduce environmental risks.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki praised residents for their commitment but said cleanliness must be consistent.
“We’re happy to see residents taking part, but one day is not enough. We need sustained effort,” she said. She urged people to think about proper disposal every time they handle waste.
The Weyonje Challenge is being rolled out in partnership with Fundoo, UNICEF Uganda, and Centenary Bank. The cleanest communities will receive rewards to motivate lasting behavioural change.
During the launch, KCCA distributed colour-coded sacks, green for organic waste and blue for inorganic items such as polythene, to households in Bwaise I. The system is expected to improve sorting at source and reduce garbage that blocks drainage channels and contributes to flooding.
Buzeki also appealed to development partners to help expand sanitation infrastructure. She said the demand for safe public toilets remains high despite recent construction across the city.
“We want institutions, companies, and partners to support the expansion of safe sanitation. A clean Kampala is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
Senior city officials, including Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi and Kawempe Division Mayor Emmanuel Sserunjogi, attended the launch. Community leaders welcomed the initiative, saying it is strengthening collaboration between residents and KCCA.
Centenary Bank announced a contribution of UGX 20 million towards the challenge, giving each division UGX 4 million. Chief Manager of Sustainability, Allen Ayebare, said the bank was proud to support community-driven sanitation efforts.
Local leaders, including Bwaise I Councillor Sserunjogi Rashid and LCI Chairperson Lule Julius, said the challenge would push residents to maintain cleaner spaces. The day also featured tree-planting activities to promote environmental stewardship.
The Weyonje Sanitation Challenge runs until December 20 and aims to build long-term habits that will create cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, and a more resilient Kampala.
