Uganda declares mandatory National Cleaning Day

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

The three-hour exercise will run from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, with non-essential movement prohibited, businesses closed and only emergency and security vehicles permitted 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, 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 passed 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 approximately 75 per cent of diseases reported in the country, citing malaria, diarrhoea and typhoid among the most common illnesses linked to unhygienic environments.

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

She said the uncollected waste blocks drainage channels, pollutes the environment and increases the risk of disease outbreaks. Quoting ministry of Health statistics, Nabbanja said about 33 children die every day from diseases associated with poor sanitation and hygiene.

She 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 it.

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

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

Nabbanja directed all local governments to spearhead community mobilisation and identify priority areas requiring clean-up.

She said detailed implementation guidelines will be issued following the official launch of the programme this Saturday, July 25, at Kisenyi in Mengo, which will be officiated by Vice President Jessica Alupo.

Health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi urged Ugandans to embrace the initiative, saying improved sanitation is essential for 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 timing of the exercise had been deliberately set in the early morning to minimise disruption.

“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 (IGP) James Ochaya said the police are prepared to enforce compliance with the directive, adding that the force has the experience and capacity to implement the restrictions, drawing on lessons learnt during enforcement of Covid-19 measures.

Nabbanja said President 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.”

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