By James Alomu

Soroti City - Soroti City leaders on Saturday joined residents in marking National Cleaning Day with a city-wide sanitation exercise aimed at addressing years of poor waste management, blocked drainage channels, and deteriorating public cleanliness.

The clean-up campaign brought together political leaders, technical staff, security personnel, and members of the public to clear garbage from streets and unclog drainage systems across different parts of the city.

Former State Minister for Works, Musa Ecweru, who led the exercise, said the current city leadership inherited serious sanitation and infrastructure challenges from the previous administration but is determined to reverse the situation through collective action.

"Today, as we mark National Cleaning Day, we are demonstrating our commitment to restoring the cleanliness of Soroti City. We inherited a problem, but we are determined to solve it," Ecweru said.

He announced plans to mobilize about 1,000 Arrow Boys to participate in future clean-up exercises and community sanitation campaigns. According to Ecweru, maintaining a clean city is essential for improving public health, attracting investment, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.

Soroti City Mayor Francis Esudu said the city's current state does not reflect its status as Uganda's Aviation City. He emphasized that the clean-up exercise marks the beginning of a sustained campaign to improve sanitation and restore the city's image.

"We are committed to working with government agencies, development partners, and residents to ensure Soroti remains clean throughout the year, not just on National Cleaning Day," Esudu said.

Deputy Town Clerk Joseph Mwesigwa acknowledged that the city's drainage infrastructure has deteriorated over the years, contributing to flooding and poor sanitation. He assured residents that the city authorities are developing plans to rehabilitate drainage channels while strengthening waste management systems.

The National Cleaning Day exercise highlighted the city's renewed commitment to environmental conservation, public health, and urban renewal, with leaders calling on residents to make cleanliness a shared responsibility beyond the annual campaign.