Kakwenza Challenges Legality of National Cleaning Days; Adventists Seek Sabbath Exemption

Exiled lawyer and author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has publicly denounced the government’s recently established National Cleaning Days, asserting that the initiative is unconstitutional. His legal objections come as the Seventh-day Adventist Church also voices concerns, seeking an exemption from the mandatory monthly exercise because it falls on their Sabbath.

These dual challenges emerged just hours before the inaugural nationwide cleaning event, slated for Saturday. Security agencies have been instructed to enforce movement restrictions and ensure public participation in the compulsory cleanup.

Kakwenza argues that the Cabinet overstepped its legal authority by mandating community labor through an administrative circular, bypassing parliamentary legislation. He contends that such directives cannot replace laws passed by Parliament and that the initiative duplicates existing responsibilities under other acts, placing an undue burden on taxpayers.

In parallel, the Uganda Union Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has expressed its support for sanitation efforts but stressed its commitment to the sanctity of the Sabbath, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. Church leaders are in discussions with the government to explore alternative participation days, such as Friday or Sunday, to accommodate their religious observance while respecting national objectives.

Despite these objections, the government has confirmed that the first National Cleaning Day will proceed as scheduled. The Uganda Police Force has announced that most vehicles and vessels will be immobilized during the three-hour exercise, with exceptions for essential services. The public is urged to remain in their localities and participate before resuming normal activities at 10 am.

The initiative, driven by a Cabinet circular, aims to improve sanitation and public health. While proponents point to successful similar programs like Rwanda’s Umuganda, critics highlight concerns over the compulsory nature and lack of extensive public consultation in Uganda’s implementation. Government officials have not yet responded to the specific concerns raised by Kakwenza and the Adventist community.

This article is based on information from the Nile Post.