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How Kumi Diocese turned its Silver Jubilee into a mission to clean the community
With a large silver cross hanging from his neck, gumboots on his feet and gloves covering his hands, the bishop bent repeatedly to pick up plastic bottles, paper and other litter scattered along the streets and public spaces of the municipality.
Bishop Michael Okwii Esakhan of Kumi Diocese and locals picking garbage in the corridors of Kumi town
By: Godfrey Ojore, Journalist @New Vision
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The purple cassock of an Anglican bishop is more often associated with the altar than a garbage-strewn street. But on Saturday morning, Bishop Michael Okwii Esakhan of Kumi Diocese traded the comfort of the sanctuary for the dusty streets of Kumi Municipality.
With a large silver cross hanging from his neck, gumboots on his feet and gloves covering his hands, the bishop bent repeatedly to pick up plastic bottles, paper and other litter scattered along the streets and public spaces of the municipality.
Around him, priests, Christians, members of the Lions Club of Kumi and local residents followed suit, sweeping, collecting rubbish and sending a powerful message that faith is demonstrated not only through prayer but also through service.
Curious onlookers paused to watch the unusual spectacle. Some joined in, while others applauded as church leaders worked shoulder to shoulder with ordinary residents.
For Bishop Esakhan, the exercise was far more than participation in the government's newly launched monthly national clean-up campaign.
"This day has perfectly coincided with our plans of cleaning the town as Kumi Diocese marks its Silver Jubilee," he said.
The clean-up formed part of activities celebrating 25 years of Kumi Diocese, which was carved out of Soroti Diocese on June 22, 2001. The jubilee celebrations culminated in a thanksgiving service on Sunday, July 26, at St Philip's Cathedral in Ngora district.
The bishop said caring for God's creation goes beyond preaching from the pulpit. A clean environment, he noted, is essential for healthy communities and reflects responsible Christian stewardship.
The Lions Club of Kumi partnered with the diocese in the exercise, reinforcing the message that environmental conservation requires collective action.
Dr Barbara Alungat, the president of the Lions Club of Kumi and commandant of the Police Senior Command and Staff College in Bwebajja, praised the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of community leadership.
She said churches have enormous influence in society and can inspire people to adopt healthier habits, including maintaining clean surroundings.
For residents such as Francis Akiiso of Asinge Village, the exercise revealed another dimension of the church's ministry.
"It is encouraging to see the church not only preaching the Word of God but also caring about the health and well-being of its people," he said.
The spirit of the National Clean-up Campaign was equally evident in neighbouring Soroti City, where political and civic leaders joined residents in clearing garbage from public spaces.
Former works state minister Musa Ecweru pledged to mobilise 1,000 former Arrow Boys to participate in future clean-up exercises.
Although the inaugural exercise was organised at short notice, Ecweru said many former members of the local militia had expressed willingness to serve their community once again, this time not through conflict but by protecting public health.
He urged residents to embrace cleanliness as a shared responsibility, saying every citizen has a role in preserving Soroti, the only city in the Teso sub-region.
Deputy Soroti city clerk Joseph Mwesigwa welcomed the government's decision to dedicate one day every month to nationwide clean-up activities.
He said the initiative would significantly improve sanitation and hygiene while strengthening public participation in environmental conservation.
Across Teso, Saturday's exercise demonstrated that the fight against disease and environmental degradation is not the responsibility of the government alone.
From bishops in flowing purple robes to former soldiers, civil servants and ordinary residents, people laid down their titles and status, picked up brooms and garbage bags, and reminded their communities that lasting change often begins with simple acts of service.
As Bishop Esakhan stooped to pick up another piece of litter from the roadside, he offered a silent but powerful sermon, one that needed no pulpit, only willing hands and hearts committed to making their community cleaner and healthier.
Although the inaugural exercise was organised at short notice, Ecweru said many former members of the local militia had expressed willingness to serve their community once again, this time not through conflict but by protecting public health.
Former state minister of works Musa Ecweru taking part in cleaning Soroti city
He urged residents to embrace cleanliness as a shared responsibility, saying every citizen has a role in preserving Soroti, the only city in the Teso sub-region.
Deputy Soroti city clerk Joseph Mwesigwa welcomed the government's decision to dedicate one day every month to nationwide clean-up activities.
He said the initiative would significantly improve sanitation and hygiene while strengthening public participation in environmental conservation.
Across Teso, Saturday's exercise demonstrated that the fight against disease and environmental degradation is not the responsibility of the government alone.
From bishops in flowing purple robes to former soldiers, civil servants and ordinary residents, people laid down their titles and status, picked up brooms and garbage bags, and reminded their communities that lasting change often begins with simple acts of service.
As Bishop Esakhan stooped to pick up another piece of litter from the roadside, he offered a silent but powerful sermon, one that needed no pulpit, only willing hands and hearts committed to making their community cleaner and healthier.