Govt declares mandatory National Cleaning Day

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that the government has declared the last Saturday of every month a mandatory National Cleaning Day, requiring Ugandans to take part in community cleaning for three hours. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced the initiative at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala on July 24, alongside officials from the health and local government ministries, Kampala Capital City Authority, police and the National Environment Management Authority.

According to the report, the exercise will run from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Businesses are to remain closed and non-essential movement, including by motorists, will be barred during that period, with exceptions for emergency and security vehicles. Nabbanja said local governments will mobilize residents and identify priority areas such as roads, markets, schools, health facilities, drainage channels, places of worship and other public spaces. Further guidelines are expected after an official launch in Kisenyi, Mengo.

Nabbanja said Cabinet approved the public cleaning day at an Aug. 11, 2025 meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, citing sanitation-linked disease risks and the constitutional duty to maintain a clean environment. The report said she attributed 75% of diseases in Uganda to poor sanitation and hygiene, and referred to Ministry of Health reports indicating that about 33 children die daily from sanitation-related illnesses. She also cited waste collection gaps in Kampala, where uncollected solid waste blocks drainage and increases outbreak risks.

Dr Chris Baryomunsi urged public cooperation, including from groups concerned about Saturday worship, while Deputy Inspector General of Police James Ochaya said police can enforce compliance. The initiative’s theme is: A Clean Uganda is Everybody’s Business.