Kabale Residents Shun Cleaning Day

What the report says

Residents in Kabale largely stayed away from the latest National Cleaning Day exercise, according to Nile Post, leaving only a small group to take part in cleaning public spaces in the town. The report said the low turnout drew concern from district authorities, who warned that enforcement will be tighter during the next edition in November.

The exercise, which the government holds on the last Saturday of each month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., is meant to support sanitation and public health by clearing litter, unblocking drainage channels and cleaning roads, markets, schools and health facilities. During those hours, movement is restricted except for essential services, emergency responders, security personnel and travelers with proof of transit. Despite that directive, the article said many residents continued normal activities, while security personnel intercepted travelers on major roads into and out of Kabale.

A small number of participants, including Uganda People’s Defence Forces members and municipal enforcement staff, cleaned sites such as Kabale Abattoir, Kabale Central Market, Central Village and Hospital Cell near Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner Michael Muramira Kyakashari said the program should become a shared community duty rather than something driven by repeated mobilization from leaders. He warned that businesses would not be allowed to override the cleaning exercise and said authorities would target those ignoring the directive.

Hospital Cell Chairperson Betty Kyomuhendo also urged the government to supply more cleaning tools, arguing that materials such as gloves, spades, brooms and dustbins would help residents participate more effectively.