Harnessing the power of sport to champion environmental conservation, AFRIYEA Golf Academy led a city-wide clean-up campaign in Fort Portal to mark World Earth Day 2026. The initiative brought together students, community members, and local leaders in a united effort to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices.
The day began with a community briefing at the academy grounds, where participants were equipped with gloves, sacks, and sorting tools. Teams fanned out across key areas of Fort Portal, including the central market area, taxi park, and sections along River Mpanga. In total, over 500 kilograms of waste were collected and sorted for recycling.
"Sport has an incredible power to bring people together for a common cause," said Isaiah Mwesige, Founder and Executive Director of AFRIYEA Golf Academy. "Today we are not just cleaning our city; we are sending a message that every individual has a role to play in protecting our environment for future generations."
The clean-up was followed by an educational session on waste segregation, composting, and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. Participants learned practical ways to reduce their ecological footprint and were encouraged to become ambassadors of sustainable living in their communities.
Several partner organizations supported the initiative, including the Fort Portal Municipal Council, which provided waste collection vehicles and disposal support. The event was also covered by local media, amplifying the message of environmental stewardship across the region.
This Earth Day clean-up is part of AFRIYEA's broader Green Golf Initiative, which integrates environmental education into the academy's regular programming. Students participate in tree planting, waste management, and water conservation activities as part of their holistic development.
"We want our students to understand that being a golfer means being a steward of the environment," added Coach Daphine. "The golf course itself is a natural ecosystem, and we have a responsibility to protect it."
The academy plans to make the clean-up a quarterly event, expanding its reach to neighboring communities and schools. Future editions will include tree planting, wetland restoration, and environmental awareness campaigns targeting young people across the Tooro region.
