Stakeholders in Kyankwanzi District have joined efforts in a community clean-up exercise in Bukwiri Town as part of preparations to mark World Press Freedom Day.
The activity, held ahead of the annual celebrations, brought together security personnel, journalists, students, and local residents.
Beyond improving sanitation, the initiative highlighted the media's broader role in community engagement and social responsibility.
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Journalists from the Greater Mubende region are expected to gather at Prince Gardens Bukwiri for the main event, which will be held under the 2026 theme: "Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security."
Speaking after the clean-up, Kyankwanzi District Community Liaison Officer Joseph Juko encouraged young people to make positive life choices and remain focused on their education.
"Students should avoid negative peer influence and stay away from activities that may disrupt their future. Discipline and proper time management are key to success," he said.
Butemba Town Council Health Officer Edward Gasanga praised the collaboration, noting that improved sanitation plays a critical role in disease prevention.
"Many illnesses arise from poor hygiene. This effort should not stop here--residents should maintain cleanliness in their homes and workplaces through proper waste disposal," he said.
Kyankwanzi District Press Chairperson Aziz Walyendo Semakula, who is also hosting the celebrations, called on journalists to actively participate in the upcoming event.
"This is an important moment for the media fraternity, and we encourage all journalists to take part in discussions that shape our profession," he noted.
The headteacher of Butemba College Secondary School also commended the media for its contribution to education in the district and called for stronger partnerships to support learning outcomes.
The upcoming celebrations are expected to feature discussions on press freedom, challenges facing journalists, and the role of the media in promoting accountability, human rights, and democratic governance.
