Kampala University teamed up with Miss Jinja City, Kaguna Erinah, to clean up Jinja Central Market as a way of giving back to the community.
“Due to increasing complaints about the alarming hygiene at Jinja Central Market and a recent report on Jinja City Mayor Kasolo Peter Okocha’s failure to maintain the city’s cleanliness, I decided to lead by example in promoting hygiene in my city,” said Miss Jinja City, Kaguna Erinah.
Kaguna Erinah reached out to her director, secured financial support, and sought permission to involve Kampala University students in the market cleanup. She expressed gratitude to the university management for consistently supporting her initiatives.
Mr. Kabeluka Richard, the Director of Kampala University Jinja Branch, thanked the local community for their continued support and trust in the university. “The campus decided to give back by helping to conserve the city,” he said.
Mr. Richard fully funded the team from Kampala University, led by Kaguna Erinah, Miss Jinja City, to clean up the Central Market. The market management was supportive of the university crew and accompanied them throughout the cleanup. “I appreciate the warm welcome given by the Jinja Central Market Hygiene Department,” said Mr. Kisame Michael, the head of Kampala University’s marketing department.
Currently, Aldina Village Garbage Link, the company contracted to maintain hygiene at Jinja Central Market, has struggled to fulfill its obligations due to a lack of resources. “We are owed a significant amount of money by the city for previous months, money we would have used to purchase materials for cleaning the market,” said Vini Ssemaganda, the Director of Aldina Village Garbage Link.
This financial shortfall has led to a buildup of garbage beyond the capacity of the single available garbage truck, resulting in increased odors in the market. The situation has driven customers away from areas with accumulated waste, reducing sales while market taxes must still be paid.
The Market Hygiene Management team called on the government to prioritize the well-being of people working in the market by providing the necessary materials and funds to the contracted company. They also thanked Miss Jinja City and her team from Kampala University Jinja Campus for their valuable contribution.
