Gov’t to issue National Cleaning Day guidelines

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that the government is preparing to issue guidelines for National Cleaning Day after launching the exercise in Kiti Zone, Mengo Kisenyi, Kampala. Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi asked the public to tolerate disruptions linked to the activity, saying the campaign is intended to improve public health through stronger sanitation practices.

According to the report, Baryomunsi said travellers should plan around the cleaning period, with road users encouraged to complete the exercise before 10:00am and air passengers advised, in future, to avoid flights during cleaning hours or reach the airport before 7:00am. He said people may clean workplaces on the preceding Friday or move early, and added that authorities would focus on sensitisation rather than arresting people at home.

Vice President Jessica Alupo said the initiative is built around disease prevention, nutrition, exercise and cleanliness, warning that poor sanitation can contribute to cholera and other waterborne illnesses. Prime Minister Robina Nabanja, who The Independent said first declared National Cleaning Day, said the guidelines are ready and will be communicated by the Ministry of Health, including expectations for institutions and individuals.

Dr. Diana Atwine, the Ministry of Health permanent secretary, said the public response had been encouraging despite limited notice, and argued that participation could reduce sanitation-related disease and pressure on the health system. The report also cited Muhammad Ssebugwawo, a village health team member in Mengo-Kisenyi, who said residents wanted more involvement and raised concerns such as poor drainage and limited garbage collection points.