Kakwenza Says Mandatory National Cleaning Illegal as Adventists Protest Saturday Exercise

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Uganda’s first mandatory National Cleaning Day has drawn objections from exiled lawyer and author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and the Seventh-day Adventist Church ahead of the exercise scheduled for Saturday, July 25. Kakwenza has called on Ugandans to boycott the programme, arguing that the Cabinet cannot create compulsory community labour obligations through an administrative circular rather than an Act of Parliament.

According to the report, Kakwenza says the directive is unconstitutional, conflicts with existing legal provisions, and places an unfair burden on citizens. The initiative was introduced under Cabinet Circular No. 1 of 2026, signed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and applies to ministries, local governments, businesses, institutions and citizens as part of a monthly national clean-up effort intended to improve sanitation and public health.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, through Uganda Union Mission President Pastor Samuel Kajoba, has asked government for an exemption because the exercise falls during the Sabbath, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. The church says it supports sanitation campaigns but wants members allowed to participate on Friday or Sunday instead, while preserving their freedom of worship.

Nile Post says authorities have maintained that the Saturday exercise will go ahead from 7am to 10am. Police announced temporary restrictions on vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and vessels, except for emergency and essential services, and urged people to remain in their areas and take part. The dispute highlights wider questions about public health policy, religious accommodation and whether Uganda’s programme should be voluntary or enforced through national restrictions.