Uganda Launches Mandatory National Cleaning Day Initiative

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1242 EAT on Friday 24 July 2026

The government has declared the last Saturday of every month as a mandatory National Cleaning Day, requiring all Ugandans to participate in community clean-up activities as part of efforts to improve sanitation, promote environmental cleanliness, and prevent disease outbreaks.

The three-hour exercise will run from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., during which non-essential movement will be prohibited, businesses will remain closed, and only emergency and security vehicles will be allowed on the roads.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced the initiative at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala, alongside officials from the ministries of Health and Local Government, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Uganda Police Force, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Nabbanja said the initiative stems from a Cabinet resolution adopted on August 11, 2025, during a meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, which approved the establishment of a nationwide public cleaning day.

She said poor sanitation and hygiene account for an estimated 75 per cent of diseases reported in the country, with malaria, diarrhoea, and typhoid among the most common illnesses linked to unhygienic conditions.

Using Kampala as an example, Nabbanja said the city generates between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes of solid waste every day, yet only 50 to 60 per cent is collected and properly disposed of.

She said the uncollected waste clogs drainage channels, pollutes the environment, and heightens the risk of disease outbreaks. Citing Ministry of Health statistics, Nabbanja said about 33 children die each day from diseases associated with poor sanitation and hygiene.

Nabbanja said the initiative is also anchored in Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Ugandan the right to a clean and healthy environment while placing a duty on citizens to protect and preserve it.

“The National Cleaning Day initiative will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month. During this period, all Ugandans are expected to participate in organised clean-up activities within their communities, including the cleaning of roads, health facilities, drainage systems, markets, places of worship, schools, and other public spaces,” Nabbanja said.

She added that non-essential movement of people and vehicles will be prohibited during the three-hour exercise, while businesses will remain closed throughout the period.

Nabbanja directed all local governments to lead community mobilisation efforts and identify priority areas for clean-up. She said detailed implementation guidelines would be issued following the official launch of the programme on Saturday, July 25, at Kisenyi in Mengo, where Vice President Jessica Alupo will officiate.

-Observer.

Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi urged Ugandans to embrace the initiative, saying improved sanitation is critical to safeguarding public health.

Responding to concerns raised by members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, whose day of worship falls on Saturday, Baryomunsi said the exercise had been scheduled for the early morning to minimise disruption to religious observance.

“We have deliberately set these early hours of the day to enable people to carry out their other activities later. Secondly, we are not meant to offend any of the beliefs of Ugandans. But I also want to ask, do SDA members also fall sick on Saturday? Let me quote the words of Jesus in the Bible. He said you can rescue your cow or sheep immediately when it falls into a pit. So let us all participate as much as possible,” Baryomunsi said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police James Ochaya said the police are prepared to enforce compliance with the directive, noting that the force has the experience and capacity to implement the restrictions, drawing on lessons learnt during the enforcement of COVID-19 measures.

Nabbanja said President Yoweri Museveni had directed the police and other security agencies to ensure strict compliance with the monthly exercise, which will be conducted under the theme: “A Clean Uganda is Everybody’s Business.”

-Observer

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