Radio Paidha, CSOs launch cleanliness campaign to promote environmental conservation in Zombo
The event was officially launched by Festus Ayikobua, the Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, at the Mayor’s Garden in Paidha Town Council.
Zombo: On World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, Radio Paidha, in partnership with Collein Aid, spearheaded a one-day “Clean Paidha” campaign in Zombo District, focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable solid waste management.
The campaign, held under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” mobilized students, civil society organizations, and Paidha Town Council officials to clean Paidha Central Market, surrounding streets, and Paidha Health Center III in a coordinated effort to combat littering and raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.
Organizers stated that the initiative aimed to empower students to take responsibility for their environment while cultivating leadership, critical thinking, and accountability. Activities included tree planting, community clean-ups, and recycling drives, offering participants hands-on experience in ecosystem restoration and waste reduction.
“We observed alarming levels of improperly disposed plastic waste in key commercial areas like Paidha Central Market,” said Ronald Oracuwun, Station Manager of Radio Paidha. “The community must take action and adopt sustainable waste practices.”
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the world’s 1.2 billion youth (ages 15-24) face disproportionate climate burdens. The “Clean Paidha” campaign highlighted the pivotal role of youth in driving environmental change.
Over 100 learners from Paidha Secondary School, Charity College Paidha, and Mvungu Upper Primary School took part in the event, gaining exposure to environmental topics such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation.
“I will advocate for proper waste management in schools and communities,” pledged Joshua Rwothomio, a student from Charity College Paidha.
“We are showing the community that waste disposal matters. We must unite to solve this problem,” added Winny Samsa of Paidha Secondary School.
Dan Pikisa, Executive Director of Collein Aid, emphasized the need for collective action to preserve ecosystems and reduce pollution.
“Climate change affects us all. If we act together, we can protect our environment and secure a better future,” he said.
Amos Jacan, Zombo District’s Youth Chairperson, called on fellow youth to take the lead in climate action initiatives, while Patricia Jane Alobo, known as the Queen of West Nile, engaged local market vendors on better waste practices. She also appealed to local leaders to install larger waste bins to improve disposal systems.
“We are training and sensitizing the community, but without proper infrastructure like disposal bins, our efforts may not be sustainable,” Alobo remarked.
Nelson Ogentho, Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Coordinator for Zombo, urged students to develop competencies in project management, communication, and environmental science to become drivers of sustainability.
The event was officially launched by Festus Ayikobua, the Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, at the Mayor’s Garden in Paidha Town Council.
“Be climate ambassadors. Be the voice of your generation in this critical fight for environmental justice,” Ayikobua told students.
Paidha, a bustling border town near the Democratic Republic of Congo, struggles with effective waste management due to limited infrastructure and the influx of vendors, especially on market days. The “Clean Paidha” campaign set a precedent for community-led conservation efforts.
Stakeholders remain optimistic that direct student involvement in environmental campaigns will spark lasting change, promoting eco-consciousness across households and communities. Through initiatives like this, youth can align their efforts with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
World Environment Day, commemorated annually on June 5, is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to raise awareness and promote action on pressing environmental issues.
The 2025 theme focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, reinforcing global efforts to heal the planet.
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