Cleaning Up the Town

Normally Saturdays are for staying at home and relaxing, but not for the Invisible Children Uganda staff gathered at the main street round about in Gulu town to take part in the “Plant a Tree and Keep Gulu Clean Campaign” that started in May. A cloud of rising dust welcomed travelers into Gulu that afternoon as the determined volunteers swept the streets clean.

Volunteers from many local organizations showed up to give their support to the initiative, which will take place once a month and aims to promote hygiene and sanitation, and to replant the trees that have succumbed to extensive deforestation for firewood and charcoal. Seedlings for trees and flowers were given to several local schools, health centers and churches.

Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, the Local Council 5 Chairman for Gulu District who spearheaded the initiative, thanked the volunteers for the tremendous support. “The community should take part in the cleanliness of the town,” he said.

Despite the scorching sun, smiles were abundant and passersby cheered the busily sweeping and planting volunteers for their service to the community.

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