Uganda declares mandatory National Cleaning Day

What the report says

The Observer reported that Uganda’s government has made the last Saturday of every month a compulsory National Cleaning Day, requiring citizens to take part in community sanitation activities. The monthly exercise is set to run from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., during which non-essential travel will be barred, businesses are expected to close, and only emergency and security vehicles will be allowed on roads.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced the measure at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala, joined by officials from the Health and Local Government ministries, Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda Police Force and National Environment Management Authority. According to The Observer, Nabbanja said Cabinet approved the initiative on August 11, 2025, in a meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni. The official launch is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at Kisenyi in Mengo, with Vice President Jessica Alupo expected to officiate.

The government is presenting the programme as a public health intervention. Nabbanja cited poor sanitation as a major contributor to disease, naming malaria, diarrhoea and typhoid among illnesses associated with unhygienic environments. She also pointed to Kampala’s waste challenge, saying the city produces 2,000 to 2,500 tonnes of solid waste daily, with only 50 to 60 per cent collected and disposed of properly.

Health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi urged public participation and addressed concerns from Seventh-day Adventists about Saturday worship, saying the early timing was intended to reduce disruption. Deputy Inspector General of Police James Ochaya said police were ready to enforce the restrictions, while Nabbanja said local governments will lead mobilisation and identify clean-up priorities.