Backed by security deployment, Mukono embraces national cleaning-day

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that Mukono town was largely brought to a standstill from 7am on Saturday as Uganda’s first National Cleaning Day was enforced under heavy security deployment. The exercise followed a government directive requiring ordinary activity to pause on the last Saturday of each month so communities can clean their surroundings. In Mukono, police blocked key routes, vehicles were halted and residents joined security personnel in stopping movement.

The report said District Police Commander SP Joseph Isabamana and ASP Dison Ngobi led the security operation, while Resident District Commissioner Hajjati Fatumah Ndisaba Nabittaka headed the clean-up teams. One of the day’s notable findings was a medical facility in Mukono town allegedly surrounded by piles of rubbish. Nabittaka criticised poor sanitation, particularly around health centres and food vendors, and said those responsible for neglected spaces would face accountability.

Participation reportedly included police, religious leaders, Buganda Kingdom representatives, local politicians, residents and schoolchildren. Mukono Municipality Mayor Robert Peter Kabanda and local division leaders backed the initiative, linking it to disease prevention and calling for by-laws to sustain the monthly effort. Bishop Dr Samuel Lwandasa of the Greater Mukono Inter Faith Forum also supported the revival of communal cleaning, while Buganda representative Ann Kiggudde Namayanja described it as a return to older community practice.

The article noted mixed public frustration over long-standing dirt in markets and drainage channels, as well as complaints that some influential people avoid the actual work. Traffic later resumed, and the next National Cleaning Day was reported as scheduled for 29 August.