UPDF’s Mountain Infantry Division Cleans up Fort Portal City
The Mountain Infantry Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has partnered with the Tooro Kingdom to clean up Fort Portal City in a joint campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation, civic responsibility, and tourism.
The initiative, part of the Baragirakiki Tourism and Environment Campaign, saw soldiers, kingdom officials, civil society organisations, and members of the local business community take part in a major clean-up exercise. The activity was held under the broader framework of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), reinforcing ties between the UPDF, the Kingdom, and the people of Tooro.
Baragirakiki, a Rutooro word loosely translated as a call to self-reflection, seeks to encourage personal responsibility in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The campaign was launched earlier this year by His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru to foster community involvement in environmental preservation, civic pride, and tourism development.
According to organisers, the campaign is designed to inspire a shift in mindset among the Batooro by encouraging them to take ownership of their surroundings and uphold Fort Portal’s reputation as Uganda’s cleanest city. It is also a deliberate effort to preserve the city’s beauty and cultural identity in line with its status as a key tourism destination.
Col RK Sseguya, the Division Operations and Training Officer who represented Mountain Division Commander Brig Gen Paul Muwonge, said poor waste disposal in urban areas contributes to air pollution, health risks, and infrastructural damage.
“Unmanaged rubbish clogs drainage systems, causes flooding, and damages roads, leading to higher public expenditure,” he said. “Diseases like cholera and dysentery can easily break out. These are preventable if people take responsibility. We call on all residents to embrace the Baragirakiki campaign for a cleaner and more attractive city.”
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Rt Hon Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiiki echoed this call, urging all residents to maintain high standards of hygiene.
“This campaign is about preserving the dignity, beauty, and culture of Tooro,” he said. “A clean environment not only promotes health but also strengthens our image as a leading tourism hub.”
Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Fort Portal North Division, Mr. Kasigwa Tom, praised the Kingdom and the UPDF for taking the initiative.
“It’s encouraging to see people not just waiting for government but actively participating in improving their city,” he said. “I will always be part of this campaign.”
Mr. Atooko Musa, Chairman of the Fort Portal City Business Community, pledged to rally fellow traders and residents in support of the cause.
“A clean city attracts both customers and tourists,” he said. “We are committed to supporting this campaign and making it a success.”
The clean-up focused on Link Bus Street, Kasese Road Highway, and the central roundabout. Other supporters included Link Bus Services, the Red Cross, Fort Portal City Council, and local businesses.
