Police drag residents from homes during Bukomansimbi clean-up exercise

What the report says

Nile Post reported that police in Bukomansimbi District on Saturday compelled residents to take part in the national Bulungi Bwansi community clean-up campaign after some people allegedly ignored a government directive to participate. According to the report, officers and local leaders moved through homes and lodges, including Gwe Osalawo Lodge, ordering people outside to join the sanitation exercise.

The operation was led by Bukomansimbi District Police Commander Aggrey Francis Kyesimiire, the outlet said. Police were also reported to have set up roadblocks on main routes, stopping motorists and passengers and making them participate before continuing their journeys, which temporarily disrupted traffic. The exercise reportedly began at 6:30am as part of a nationwide government effort to improve environmental cleanliness and reduce disease risks.

Nile Post said Kyesimiire defended the enforcement, arguing that community hygiene is a shared duty. Some residents were reported to have supported the tougher approach, saying it drew broader participation than previous campaigns, while others urged neighbours not to neglect sanitation activities because poor hygiene can contribute to preventable diseases.

Local officials also signalled possible penalties beyond the day’s exercise. Assistant Resident District Commissioner Joseph Luwagga Kitayimbwa warned business operators without adequate sanitation facilities, particularly pit latrines, of legal action, while Bukomansimbi Town Council Mayor Mawanda urged residents to treat cleanliness as a daily obligation. District authorities said people who keep dirty premises after the campaign risk arrest and prosecution, according to the report.