C-Care Uganda, in partnership with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and local leaders, has conducted a major community clean-up exercise in Kasanvu and Namuwongo Bukasa Parish aimed at improving sanitation and reducing the risk of preventable diseases in densely populated urban settlements.
The exercise brought together residents, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and city authorities in a coordinated effort to clear accumulated waste, unblock drainage channels, and restore sanitation standards in areas often affected by flooding and disease outbreaks.
Urban health experts note that poor waste management and clogged drainage systems continue to contribute to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and malaria, particularly in informal settlements across Kampala.
Speaking during the activity, C-Care Uganda Chief Executive Officer Azhar Sundhoo said healthcare providers have a critical role beyond hospital care, particularly in addressing the environmental factors that contribute to illness.
“At C-Care, we recognise that health begins long before a patient arrives at a health facility. Clean environments are essential in preventing disease and protecting communities. This partnership with KCCA demonstrates our commitment to advancing preventive healthcare and supporting wellbeing at community level,” he said.
He added that many of the conditions treated in health facilities are preventable and closely linked to environmental conditions.
“As healthcare providers, we continue to see the burden of preventable diseases. Initiatives like this help reduce that burden by improving living conditions and strengthening community health,” he noted.
According to KCCA, Kampala generates between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, a significant portion of which remains uncollected. This has contributed to blocked drainage systems, flooding, and increased health risks in densely populated areas.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjati Sharifah Buzeki reiterated the authority’s commitment to strengthening sanitation and public health through partnerships with stakeholders and local communities.
“Clean environments are essential for healthy populations. Waste management is not only a city responsibility but a public health priority. Through partnerships like this, we are improving our capacity to reduce disease risks and enhance the quality of life for Kampala residents,” she said.
Residents of Kasanvu and Namuwongo welcomed the initiative, calling for sustained efforts to improve sanitation and prevent recurrent flooding and disease outbreaks.
The initiative forms part of ongoing collaboration between KCCA and C-Care Uganda aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving environmental health awareness, and encouraging community participation in sanitation management.
Officials say the approach reflects a broader shift toward preventive healthcare, where health interventions extend beyond treatment facilities into communities to address the root causes of disease.
